Double Dosing Cholestyramine

[Carly92]

I have been taking a single dose of cholestyramine for several months but now my itching is severe again. Taking a double dose means staying up late to time it with Urso as I have to wait hours between each. My internist says I can take two cholestyramine doses at once. The packaging and everything on internet says not to do that. I'm not sure what to do.

[iagra]

Don't know what suggest, except for getting a second opinion from a different doctor, and talking to a pharmacist. Also, contact PBC Foundation. I hope you get some good responses right here. All the best to you!

[gillrich in reply to iagra]

Absolutely Pbcfoundation.org.uk is the place to get accurate up to date info on all things pbc

[liver-bird]

Sorry to hear you are suffering at present Carly92. My observation is that people seem to vary with their responses to different drugs. Perhaps the only way to know for sure how you will react is to try it. Let us know what works for you. Diane

[TracG]

Many respond differently to medication. After 13 years my itch came back. I was taking 1 dose of Cholestyramine daily which did nothing for me. Instead of increasing my daily dose my consultant prescribed Bezafibrate 400mg daily . I responded immediately well and itching has gone. Maybe discuss with your consultant or get a second opinion about if Cholestyramine is right for you. Sometimes we need to question and be persistant about medication which for many is difficult and awkward. The PBC Foundation is excellent who would be able to give up to date advice Let us know how you get on. 😊

[Carly92 in reply to TracG]

Thanks TracG, liver-bird, gillrich, and iagra for your support. I will consult my pharmacist and talk to my GP and liver doctor about other drugs. 🙂

[LaoUK]

Hi Carly, For about two months my itching was unbearable, I couldn't sleep or even go to work as it was so uncomfortable and it got to a point where I was using a metallic brush you normally use for dogs to use on myself. My consultant refused to see me as he didn't think it was necessary but instead prescribed opioid tablets which I refused as opioids is very addictive and all it does is numb you like morphine.

But my GP suggest to try Anti-histamine (Cetirizine Hydrochloride 10mg) twice a day. It's normally use for hayfever. You can buy it over the counter. I've been taking it for two weeks now and the itching has diminish considerably and now I only take 1 a day.

Maybe you can give it a try and hopefully it will help you as it did for me.

Good luck and wish you feel better soon.

[Carly92 in reply to LaoUK]

Thank you for this LaoUK. I'll try the Cetirizine Hydrochloride. Are you still using it? I'm wondering if the itch will return once you're off the antihistamine.