I took Zelnorm over a year ago until my doctor said the FDA had taken it off the market and it was no longer available. Since I was suffering from chronic constipation, it was very helpful in regulating my system. I’ve had nothing but problems now that I’m not using it. I’ve tried a number of prescription drugs, over-the-counter stool softeners, and just about everything I can find. Nothing works like Zelnorm did. Hopefully there will be minor changes to the drug and it will become available again in the near future. Until then, are overseas markets reliable and trustworthy? The generic name is Tegaserod and I see it can be bought from online pharmacies.

DEAR READER:
Zelnorm, a product manufactured by Novaritis, was introduced to combat irritable bowel syndrome and constipation. It was subsequently removed from the market in March 2007 after a Swiss government analysis of 29 separate studies revealed that patients using the product suffered a higher probability of heart attack, chest pain and stroke.

Here is where things get confusing. The drug will no longer be available, but patients who have no other successful treatment options might still have access to the drug through a special program. The FDA has stated it is likely to allow Novaritis to continue selling Zelnorm to the public if the primary care physician indicates the patient’s condition does not respond to other treatment AND, if the benefits of the product outweigh the risks and serious side effects. Before the program is allowed, however, it must go before a public advisory committee meeting.

As I have indicated in the past, the FDA is responsible for ensuring the safety of all drugs, whether manufactured here or abroad. Before you consider the option of purchasing outside the country, I recommend you consider Digestive Advantage, available at your local pharmacy. The product has been highly endorsed by irritable bowel syndrome sufferers and might do the trick without prescription medication. Keep me posted.

To give you related information, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports “Irritable Bowel Syndrome” and “Constipation and Diarrhea”. Other readers who would like copies should send a self-addressed, stamped, number 10 envelope and $2 (per report) to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title(s).

Recently, I started feeling tired and run down after normal activity. I consulted my medical doctor who ordered a colonoscopy and blood testing. The results of the colonoscopy were negative. Blood tests indicated my red blood count was four, so I’ve been taking iron pills for three months. It is still four. Where do I go from here?

DEAR READER:
A red blood cell count of four is hardly abnormal. I don’t believe you are suffering the symptoms of anemia.

When did the constipation and fatigue start? Do they coincide? Have you been diagnosed as having Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) with constipation? (I would also like to add that having one bowel movement a month is a near physical impossibility, especially when taking Zelnorm, a drug used for the short-term treatment of IBS with constipation and milk of magnesia.)

Zelnorm shows improvement in most individuals who take it but can cause diarrhea. Milk of magnesia encourages evacuation. It seems to me that when taking both these medications, you would hardly be able to leave the house for fear of constant diarrhea. It also suggests that you may have an intestinal abnormality causing obstruction or a similar disorder.

You need to be seen by a gastroenterologist. I believe your symptoms are related to your chronic constipation. If the gastroenterologist determines there is no physical reason for the constipation and believes the fatigue is from your very slight anemia, you may wish to see a hematologist (blood specialist) for further evaluation.

To give you related information, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports “Irritable Bowel Syndrome” and “Blood — Donations and Disorders”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 (per report) to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title(s).