Modified release vs. Sustained release - British Heart Fou...

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Modified release vs. Sustained release

Tos92 profile image
3 Replies

Good evening everyone :)

Following on from my post a couple of days ago, I managed to get my hands on my original brand of medication, Vera-Til SR. However, I have noticed that this one does not say modified release on it and is a different colour to the one I originally take.

This is probably a question for the pharmacists on here. Is modified release and sustained release the same thing/used interchangeably? As I had side effects on the alternative medication, I just wanted to be sure this time around.

Thanks again for your input!

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Tos92
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3 Replies

hello I’m going to give this a go a lay person from what I know (but I’m sure you’ll ask a pharmacist):

Modified release - delays the med to work at later point from when you took it e.g. until gets into small intestine to start working there rather than somewhere before it.

Sustained release - the med is released over a sustained period of time. I think this means it works constantly for the period is lasts in the body so your always medicated?

Always worth checking if not only to put your mind at rest. I don’t like changes in meds it’s unsettling.

Hope you get the right stuff!

Tos92 profile image
Tos92 in reply to

I’m sure the pharmacist will probably tell me it’s the same thing so they don’t have to order anymore in to be honest.

Thanks for your response :)

Kotec profile image
Kotec in reply to Tos92

it’s best to stick to sustained release formulation if you have been prescribed sr.The bioavailability of verapamil is important and it’s best to keep it stable

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