Just checking o see if others are experiancing this?

[Guest Rachel Gia]

Did not want to put it in the header but are any of you experiencing a shortage in spiro for your prescriptions?

I just renewed mine repeats and was told there was not enough to fill my repeat dosage. There was some indefinite shortage with the manufacturer.

I bought what was available which was not much.

I went on line and there seems to be some posts in regards to this. I am in Canada and in might be that.

Just curious?

[Charlize]

I no longer use it so couldn't tell you if there is a shortage.  If it becomes a problem there are other blockers available that your doctor may prescribe.  Hope you don't run into any problems.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

[Laura Beth]

The last time I got a refill on my spiro they gave from a different maker from what I had been getting. The next time I get a refill I have to ask about the not medical ingredients because I get headaches a lot more since the change.

Laura Beth

[Squallsong]

I've heard this from a few people I've been mentoring (I use cyproterone, so it doesn't affect me).  It also seems to be a Canada-wide problem, with supply issues most affecting BC, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. as well as all Walmart pharmacies.

Apparently Pfizer (the original manufactuer) and TEVA/NOVO (a generic supplier in Ontario) have stopped producing the drug, leaving APO (another Canadian generic suppliers) in a state of impending shortage.  This should resolve as production catches up with demand over the next several months.

If this becomes a problem for you, I would suggest that you discuss alternate medication with your physician, or switch pharmacies to one that is already using the APO supplier.

[Guest Rachel Gia]

Thank you!

I found a spread sheet that lists Spiro along with a few others plus a recent post regarding the release of an liquid version that will be released or has been released.

i have enough for a little less than a month and am not really worried too much at this time.

Cheers CR

[Guest Rachel Gia]

Maybe I was worried as I spent most of my morning finding most of my Spiro prescription at another pharmacy. Having said that supply was still limited and they could only give me so much but it should take me through to November.

Being new repeating prescriptions I did not anticipate this kind of thing but looking at the lists of limited availability drugs I guess it's normal. 

The part of my personality that allowed me to be a former well supplied pothead kicked in and I was on an obsessive quest for closure in regards to this matter. Go figure....., those old skills come in handy from time to time in abstinence.

Love CR

[Charlize]

I love the way you equated the need for spiro with the need for pot.  I certainly know that feeling.  Post orchiectomy i don't worry about the supply of blocker but knowing i have a good supply of E on hand gives me an odd sense of security.  I feel that way about my cardiac medications as well.  Perhaps i'm more sensitive to the feeling of need than some due to my past addiction.  It doesn't hurt now as i'm involved in caring for myself.  I'm grateful for that!

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

[Guest Rachel Gia]

Hi Charlize,

Another skill that I have grateful that I have kept from my using days is the abitlity to deal with chaos. 

It was a bit of liability before as I felt more comfortable in chaos than serenity or peace and for a long time a fear of happiness was on my short list of fears.

Now ichaos skills prove positive as I am comfortable with happiness and serenity so when things go south my old skills help and that heightened sense of awareness that can come with chaos kicks in and life becomes an adventure rather than a chore.

Much Love:)

CR

[Laura Beth]

I went to my normal doctor and got some refills of two of my pills I take when needed. So when I went to Shoppers Drug Mart and  I asked for a refill of my spiro at the same time because I was suppose to have 11 refills left. I was told by the clerk that the computer showed no refills; then a bit later when I went back to pick up the new refills, I talked to the pharmacist and was told that none of the manufactures in Canada are currently producing the drug and doesn't know if it will be in the future. They sent a fax to my gender doctor to see what she is going to switch me to. So just a heads up for the rest of the members in Canada that they need to see their doctors for a new prescription for a replacement.

[thtufus]

I never had a need for Spiro as my body didn't produce enough testosterone, but I know about stocking up on estrogel, though I don't why I'm inclined to do that.  Because of my prescription and the volume in the containers I get extra amounts every refill. 

I take several different drugs every day so I know that Blue Cross and Shoppers Drug Mart change manufacturers without even talking with me.  It is annoying because even non medical ingredients can cause serious side effects.

Thtufus

[Laura Beth]

Update on the spironolactone shortage, the one manufacture (Teva Canada)  has not being producing it for a few months but Pfizer Canada is still manufacturing it by the name of Aldactone which is the name brand. It took my doctor to get the pharmacy to find their mistake about my refills because they had switched me to the name brand the last time I had it refilled. I was told they had no shortage of the name brand but couldn't not get any of the generic due to something about Teva being sold but I can not find out if this is true or not. So Shoppers does still have the spiro available but in name brand only.

 

Laura Beth

[Guest Rachel Gia]

Thanks Laura!

i should check before I go to my three month checkin with my transition doctor.in November.

As I said I have enough until then and a little past the appointment.

The extra detail about the name brand is most helpful.

I had the Spiro script faxed to London Drugs which was where I got almost all the remainder from. 

I finally have my assessment for an orch at that time as I will be well past the one year requirement on HRT. This gives me further motivation to move in that direction if allowed.

I think think the most vexing part of getting that surgury is who to ask to drive me home afterwards. I think I should as I tend to do everything in transition alone and it would be nice to get to point where I alow someone to help.

There are options even as I think about it as to the journey home.

 

[Jocelyn]

I had the same problem but luckily I only missed about  a week's worth. I just picked up my prescription last night good for another 80 days now.

Cheers

[Guest Rachel Gia]

Seems this kind of thing is normal and I just renewed mine again, this time with no issues but I did get the entire three months worth all at once so I would not have to worry.