Theophylline Discontinued (Page 11) (Top voted first)

I have been told that theophylline er is being discontinued. Is this true? I have taken it for years for asthma.

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It seems like there is always new information on this topic. While searching for other meds which are bronchodilators, I came across CareFirst Rx Specialty Pharmacy out of New Jersey. They also produce vet (and human) meds. I left an email. I received a call from the pharmacist on call. He said they do compound this medication and produce it in pill form, not just a liquid like most compound options. He said they even produce a mini tab of 25mg used for small dogs and cats. This is exactly what I need. I have been using an inhaler in the absence of a pill for my small dog. If anyone wants to check it out, see their website. It will tell you what states they are licensed in as a pharmacy, and how to contact them: cfspharmacy.com. My interest is for my dog, but know that many of you on this site are looking for the human medication for treatment of asthma. I was quartering a 100mg pill and giving it 4x a day for the last 4 years. A smaller pill at 25mg each is perfect for my needs.

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Was it pricey getting the prescription from that source?

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Just so you know, theophylline is the generic, and Theo 24 is the brand. I've been taking theophylline 450 twice a day for about 20 years now. It is the only thing that works for me as I am allergic to corticosteroids and every other asthma med they've tried to give me has steroids in it. I am very lucky. My mail order pharmacy (CVS/Caremark) has no problem filling my prescription. In fact, I've got a stockpile of about 3 months worth in my cabinet right now.

The point of my post: If CVS/Caremark accepts your insurance, call them and see if they can help you.

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Good for you for having that stockpile. I did that last year, but now my sources are no longer able to supply them. I've contacted every drugstore in my area and get the same response - "We cannot get any more. The manufactures have discontinued this drug." Hope you have better results. I'm down to about 45 days - then summer hits and I will be in TROUBLE!.

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I rue the day that happens. I knew about the compounding pharmacy so that'll be my next supplier. It's not cheap but I'll do whatever I have to.

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I'm still having no problem getting generic theophylline 400 and/or 600 mg. ER from rite aid and walgreens. I do have to cut the 600 in half and take it twice a day to get results. I did better on taking 400 in the morning and cutting my small stash of 200mg in half to get 500 mg a day but I couldn't get the 200 ones anymore.

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If I run out, and CVS can't supply it any longer, I will probably just die. I cannot take corticosteroids at all. Last Spring, I was without my Theophylline for about 5 weeks. I had to do Albuterol nebulizer treatments every 4 hours around the clock and almost had to go to the ER at least 5 times. I cannot see myself living for long if I have to resort to that on an ongoing basis.

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I have C O P D,emphacema, chronic bronchitis. I have been taking theophylline 300 for about 20 years. Now my Doctor tells me they are taking it of the market. I was taking 1 tablet 2times daily, then she told me to start using it once a day. Can you tell me if being taken off half a dosage can cause? I have not been the same since I was told to cut back!

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Discontinued here in Illinois best asthma relief for me

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Is there an alternative to this med? I need for my dog also and all pharmacies say can't get.

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I need it too for my dog. I'm hoarding what I can find, while I can find it. There are comments below for a compounding pharmacy out of New Jersey (CareFirst Rx Specialty Pharmacy). I have spoken to them, and although it's more expensive, I'll switch to that once I run out. Hope that might help!

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I just checked with my pharmacy, they said my Theo 24 ER 200 mg is on a long back order and they don't know when they will be able to get it from the wholesaler. The pharmacist said that there are only two wholesalers currently in the US.

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My druggist wasn't able to get my Theo 24 over 2 years ago. Switched to generic. Now it's gone too. Frustrated and scared doesn't describe my emotional state now.

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SO, WHY DISCONTINUE THEOPHYLLINE IF IT WORKS SO WELL? IF IT WORKS SO WELL, KEEP IT IN PHARMACIES WHERE IT CAN BE USED FOR WHAT IT IS MADE FOR! KIND OF ( BEATING A DEAD HORSE) RIGHT? WHY PUT THE CART BEFORE THE HORSE IF IT REALLY WORKS?

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Has anyone else been trying herbal or natural remedies? I used to be a skeptic on all that kind of thing but I've been experimenting for months with different things including garlic for fighting off colds and respiratory illnesses and I've also discovered that ginger root is amazing for asthma and COPD and any kind of respiratory problems. It's a strong anti-inflammatory it acts as a Bronchodilator and acts as a mild expectorant. I've been using it for about a week now and I've had amazing results. I just take a piece of ginger root and chopped off about 3 or 4 decent size slivers and boil it in one cup of water for 5 to 10 minutes and then I pour it over green tea bags in my cup, let it steep for another 5 minutes or so then I add honey and sugar.. and then I take out the pieces of ginger ...and it's amazing!! I start coughing shortly thereafter, and it opens my airway up. I also inhale the steam from the pan while its simmering and it acts like a nebulizer! Give it a try and report back here with your results!

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Cannot get 100 mg of theophylline anywhere. Its for my dog.

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Read in below posts of a compounding pharmacy in New Jersey that makes it to order.

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I leaned from my dog's cardiologist that the compounded theophylline is not extended release. The dosage and frequency has to be adjusted for that. Apparently there is another med that works as well as the ER theophylline but he is sending the info over to our vet. I'll share it here when I get the info.

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Thanks for that info about petmart pharmacy! I see that they have the extended release. Great to have an alternative to the compounding in New Jersey that isn't ER.

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I agree, it's the pharmaceutical companies that are the problem. They don't want to make Theophylline anymore. This medicine works great for me, I've been on this medication since 1984 and I'm doing ok. i tried inhalers and they are bad and don't help me at all. I don't want to use prednisone either, it's toxic!

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