Prednisolone query

[Lclmlbls]

I recently requested coated prednisolone which my doctor has prescribed. I expected they would not have a line down the middle, but they appear to look exactly the same as the uncoated ones. They were issued in a plain white box with a dispensary printed label stating “prednisolone 5mg Gastro-Resistant Tablets”. However the information leaflet tucked in with the tablets is exactly the same as the one issued with the uncoared tablets, no mention of “gastro-resistant” or “EC”, nor is there anything to indicate this on the foil that the tablets are encased in. I’m not sure I have been given the correct tablets. Can anyone provide a picture of Prednisolone EC tablets please?

[SnazzyD]

All I remember is that they were bigger than the standard Pred with a smooth, more rounded with a coating shell.

[SheffieldJane]

I agree with your concerns. My Entric coated tablets are smooth and shiny, 1 mgs are white, 2.5 mgs are black and 5 mgs are red and you aren’t supposed to cut them like the non gastric coated tablets can be, for half mg doses. You could ask another pharmacy to check them. It is pretty irresponsible if they have given you the wrong ones. Gastric resistant tablets take much longer to get into the system and obviously provide protection as they travel through the digestive system.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Name of manufacturer on foil pack or on PIL ?

Might help to get a photo online…

[Highlandtiger]

I've never had 5mg gastro enteric ones which weren’t red, whichever manufacturer they were from. Yours don’t sound like they’re gastro enteric.

[Lclmlbls]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I felt sure they would look different. I am still using up the uncoated ones so will discuss with the GP next week.

[Gimme in reply to Lclmlbls]

I've advised you further down to see the pharmacist. Sorry to repeat myself, but if you have been given the wrong tablets, you may need another prescription to get a replacement when you see the doctor, so it would be a good idea to get that sorted with the pharmacist before your doctor appointment.

[piglette]

The 5mg pills are quite small, red and shiny due to the coating. It sounds like someone has put the wrong pills in the box. I should go to your pharmacist to complain.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

What colour are they? Enteric coated 5mg tablets should be red, 2.5mg dark brown and 1mg are very pale yellow I think.

If they aren't those colours - SOMEONE has made an error and they need disciplining. This may not be a major mistake that could make someone very ill but it suggests a lack of care in a very responsible job.

[Lclmlbls in reply to PMRpro]

They are white, and look exactly the same as the uncoated ones.

[Nagswoman in reply to Lclmlbls]

Then they are uncoated.

[DogAgilityObsessed]

looks like it’s time to kick ass. Channel your inner strength!

[Gimme]

Go back to the pharmacist who dispensed them and ask them to confirm that they are gastro resistant. tbh, they don't sound like they are gastro resistant. I worked in the field for many years and no way would you get UK regulatory approval for a tablet that was meant to be gastro resistant with a break line on it. But from a practical point of view, gastro resistant tablets are coated, so I would expect any markings on the tablet core to be covered up by the coating. Sadly, it doesn't seem to be that uncommon for pharmacists to make mistakes as I have had errors with my prescriptions a number of times. I always check my dispensary now before I leave the shop.

[Lclmlbls in reply to Gimme]

Thanks, I will make enquiries tomorrow.

[Gimme in reply to Lclmlbls]

You might have to wait until Tuesday.

My local pharmacy is closed on new year's day.

[Lclmlbls in reply to Gimme]

Oh yeah! 😂 never know which day is which at this time of year!

[Gimme in reply to Lclmlbls]

Since I retired, I have a hard time knowing what day of the week it is at any time of the year, but I do know the pharmacy is closed tomorrow as I got a text on Saturday at 12.45 to say that my prescription was ready for collection and they close for the weekend at 1.00. 🙄

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Gimme]

Very helpful!!!!

[Gimme in reply to PMRpro]

Par for the course, more like! 🤣

They really are blimmin useless. I should change my designated pharmacy, but the alternative is such a pig for parking and it is too far to walk.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Gimme]

Does the alternative not deliver?

[Rugger]

I have had gastro-resistant pred for years and they are as described by the others - shiny coloured pills looking like miniature Smarties. For information, the red colouring used on the 5mg tablets is Ponceau 4R which can cause breathlessness! It did for me, so I wash off the colouring under the tap - it doesn't wash away any of the pred, as what remains is a hard white pill.

Definitely read the riot act to the Pharmacist who dispensed these tablets to you. How are you to know that the ones you have been given even contain prednisolone.....? Refuse to accept them.

[Vide]

I'm on the e/c prednisolone My 5mg are red and 1mg are a pale yellow with no lines on them Definitely sounds like you have been given the wrong ones !!!

[KeiraPeg]

I have been on Pred longer than I care to remember always enteric coated, A recent prescription came and were not coated but as I was desperate I used them, when my next prescription was due I asked for coated ones as I had always had. The Pharmacist phoned me and asked why I needed enteric coating, I answered that they protected my stomach and she insisted that was not what they were for and would have to check with my GP. The prescription was later delivered with enteric coating so GP presumably agreed.

It made me wonder if there has been some new direction about enteric coating from on high.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to KeiraPeg]

There has been in some areas, same question came up a few months - and I found that a few local health trusts had decided EC tablets were not to be used…

[Lclmlbls in reply to DorsetLady]

Due to cost I imagine….

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Lclmlbls]

Partly -although that’s false economy if you need a PPI as well… but some don’t think EC tablets are as effective as plain ones.

Not sure that’s strictly true as ingredients are the same, but of course the EC ones take longer to take effect… not quite the same thing 🤔

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to KeiraPeg]

Er - what on earth is enteric coated for other than the protective factor? The pharmacist must have misunderstood what you meant because otherwise that reply makes no sense. She must have thought you meant pred protected your stomach.