Hi Marie, I don't know I have never needed to use it, but you could always try these dietary ways to slow output  - like bananas, cooked apple, peanut butter.. they really make a difference 

Thank you, I already incorporate those, exceot cooked apples. Mashed potatoes often and toasted english muffins with peanut butter daily and so on.

I am going to try OTC generic imodium.  I founf 200 for $9 at walmart's brand. My doctor didn't want me to try Lomitol. Beats over $100 for 240 prescription cost....Regular Imodium was crazy priced. Generic is the way to go.

I take Costco/Kirkland brand Immodium and it is super cheap-two 200 Ct. bottles for around 5.00.  Works for me.

Thanks CTB23

United Health Care called me today about the loperamide prescription. They gave me another 30 days and told me how to appeal the decision not to cover it. So I am going to write them an appeal letter but I doubt they will change their minds. In the meantime I am going to try it otc. It may work better now that my removal surgery was 16 months ago.

Saff posted:

Hi Marie, I don't know I have never needed to use it, but you could always try these dietary ways to slow output  - like bananas, cooked apple, peanut butter.. they really make a difference 

Peanut butter is a best friend. I always bring a peanut butter sandwich with me if I want to feel nourished but with slow low output. Nabisco Peanut Butter sandwich crackers are great also. You have to find your friendly foods.

TE Marie posted:

After my j-pouch was removed I have been using 8 Loperamide daily. I also eat foods to thicken my output. I was using metamucil too but it didn't work as well.

Today I discovered my insurance company quit paying for Loperamide on 7/1. They will pay for the generic Lomitol. I have been reading up on it and one of the side effects is numbness in hands or feet.  I have perpherial neuropathy in my feet so wonder about trying it. 

Do any of you former j-pouchers use Lomitol?  If so would you recommemd it? Have you had any side effects from using it and if so what kind?

OTC immodium, which is loperamide, isn't as predicitable because the pills just pass through me without disolving all the way due to my rapid transit time.

Thanks

Lomotil makes me feel too drugged and can slow down the gut too much. Once in a while it's ok though.

My PCP is opposed to me using Lomotil probably because I need Norco daily. Norco, hydrocodone,  slows things dow too. Thanks Paul

CTB23 posted:

I take Costco/Kirkland brand Immodium and it is super cheap-two 200 Ct. bottles for around 5.00.  Works for me.

Do you happen to know if you have to be a member of Costco to buy immodium.

I think that I heard that you don't have to be if you're buying meds, but not sure.

It's OTC so you would need a membership.  If you know someone who has a membership, maybe they can get it for you.  I get it for my sister.

Thanks, I thought that was the case, I'll get one of my friends get it for me.

I've ordered them on line from ebay and received them from Cosco - Kirkland brand - without a membership.

Yes you can definitely get it on e-bay.  The price is not as good as Costco, but it is still better than what you pay for Immodium-brand name.  I think I pay about 5.00 for 400 tablets at Costco.  For me it lasts for a long time.  I only use 2 a day.  

TE Marie posted:

My PCP is opposed to me using Lomotil probably because I need Norco daily. Norco, hydrocodone,  slows things dow too. Thanks Paul

Yes Hydrocodone is excellent for slowing the bowel down without causing a logjam which lomotil can cause. Problem is finding a doctor that will support that. Glad it works out for you.

The price of OTC generic Imodium has gone up by 3 times since the last time I purchased it

I know especially Lomotil that is the only one that my body responds to..

My insurance quit covering loperamide and forced me to either pay for it myself or take the OTC imodium.  I bite them in half to aid in their digesting as they were not fully dissolving. The loperamile was in capsule form and I think worked better.