Questran South Africa

Questran

Questran

Many people around the world suffer from diseases connected with high cholesterol levels and take special medications to bring their cholesterol back to normal. Problems with high cholesterol can lead to a heart attack or a stroke, so it is important to monitor your health and take preventive measures to avoid dangerous consequences.

One of the drugs that are used to normalize blood cholesterol levels is Questran. It is a prescription drug. Before you get a prescription, you must tell your doctor about your medical history, as well as tell about any medications, vitamins, and dietary supplements you are currently taking.

Questran can interact with some drugs and substances. During the treatment period, it is not recommended to eat foods with a high percentage of fat. Ask your doctor for a complete list of medicines and foods that may interact with Questran.

If you suffer from liver or kidney diseases, then you are not advised to use this medication. Tell your doctor if you have thyroid disease, urinary tract disease, stomach or intestinal problems.

Questran is produced together with a manual for the use of the drug. In some cases, the doctor may prescribe it for the treatment of conditions not listed in the instructions.

If during the treatment you have to take any other medications, then it is recommended to take them 5-6 hours after using Questran.

You are prohibited from taking this drug if you have a blockage in your digestive tract, or if you are allergic to any of the ingredients of this medicine. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to anything.

It is important to tell your doctor before using this medication if you experience any of the following conditions: kidney or liver problems, diabetes, and coronary heart disease. Wait at least 4-6 hours after taking Questran before taking any other medicines.

Tell to the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeed a baby. Its effect on an unborn child is not fully studied, so it should be taken with extreme caution, following the doctor's recommendations and instructions for using the medicine.

Questran Sachets

Questran is available in sachet form, which contains a powder that can be mixed with water or another liquid and taken orally. The sachets are available in different strengths, including 4g, 9g, and 18g, and are typically used to treat high cholesterol levels or other conditions related to excess bile acids in the intestine.

To take Questran sachets, you should follow the instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist carefully. Generally, the powder should be mixed with a small amount of water or other liquid to form a paste, and then more liquid should be added to make a drinkable solution. It is important to drink plenty of water or other fluids when taking Questran to prevent dehydration and constipation.

It's important to note that Questran should be taken at least 1 hour before or 4-6 hours after other medications, as it may interfere with their absorption. You should also inform your doctor of any other medications you are taking, as they may interact with Questran or require adjustments to your dosage.

Questran vs Questran Light

Questran and Questran Light are both prescription medications used to treat high cholesterol levels in the blood. They contain the same active ingredient, cholestyramine, which works by binding to bile acids in the intestine and preventing their reabsorption.

The main difference between the two medications is the amount of cholestyramine they contain. Questran in South Africa Light contains a lower dose of cholestyramine than Questran. This means that Questran Light may be better tolerated by some patients who experience gastrointestinal side effects such as constipation, bloating, and gas when taking Questran.

However, it's important to note that the effectiveness of the two medications is the same. The choice between Questran and Questran Light depends on individual patient factors such as the severity of their high cholesterol and their tolerance for side effects. It's important to follow your doctor's recommendations and dosing instructions carefully.

Questran Alternatives in the UK

There are several alternatives to Questran in the UK that are used to treat high cholesterol levels. Some of these include:

  1. Colesevelam (Welchol): This medication works similarly to Questran by binding to bile acids in the intestine and preventing their reabsorption. It is available in tablet form and may have fewer gastrointestinal side effects than Questran.

  2. Ezetimibe (Zetia): This medication works by reducing the absorption of cholesterol from the diet in the intestine. It is available in tablet form and can be taken alone or in combination with a statin medication.

  3. Statins (such as atorvastatin, simvastatin, and rosuvastatin): These medications work by blocking an enzyme in the liver that produces cholesterol. They are available in tablet form and are often the first-line treatment for high cholesterol.

  4. PCSK9 inhibitors (such as alirocumab and evolocumab): These medications work by targeting a protein in the liver that regulates the amount of LDL (bad) cholesterol in the blood. They are given as injections and are typically used in combination with a statin medication.

It's important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor to determine the best alternative medication for your specific needs and health condition.

Adverse Reactions

Common Questran side effects include: rectal itching, nausea, constipation, gas and bloating, redness of the tongue.

Some side effects may include blood in the urine, abdominal pain, unusual bleeding, and prolonged constipation. If you get any of these reactions, then you should seek immediate medical attention. See the instructions or ask your doctor for a complete list of adverse reactions.

Mode of Application

The drug is usually taken 1-2 times a day at the same time. Questran powder should be mixed with water or other liquid and taken with meals as directed.

The dosage of the drug is individual and can only be set by the doctor. Occasionally, the doctor may increase or decrease the dose of the medication to achieve the best treatment results. During the treatment with Questran, it is recommended to consume a lot of fluids, which helps to prevent the development of constipation. It is forbidden to independently change the prescribed dosage or to stop the treatment, even if the patient's condition has improved. The full effect of the drug can only be achieved after completing the full therapy course.

If after using the drug you feel unwell or begin to experience symptoms that bother you, then you should immediately contact your doctor and tell him about it. Patients taking Questran usually need frequent blood tests to monitor the treatment results and control blood cholesterol levels.

in South Africa

Is Questran Discontinued?

At the time of our knowledge cut-off in September 2021, Questran was not discontinued in the UK.

It's possible that individual countries or regions may experience temporary shortages or interruptions in the availability of medications due to supply chain issues, manufacturing problems, or other factors. If you have concerns about the availability of Questran, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more information on its availability and any alternative treatment options that may be available.

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Comparison

See Also

Cholestyramine

Cholestyramine