Is Miralax safe? Instead of just viewing, I'd appreciate some responses- I feel like im pulling teeth on here sometimes :)
#343513 - 03/21/09 11:05 AM
|
|
|
|
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
My doctor says Miralax is not safe. She called it poison. She said that Miralax causes loose or even watery stools. I had tried it (at half dose) for constipation (I have alternating IBS) and it gave me really bad diarrhea – which can mess up your electrolytes.
Miralax is Polyethylene glycol 3350. The 3350 is the molecular weight. Antifreeze is ethylene glycol, so polyethylene glycol is not exactly the same thing, but "in the family". In theory, the 3350 molecular weight is too large to be absorbed by the body. However, a surprising number of people who have leaky gut issues exhibit side effects that indicate that a small amount of the product probably IS indeed being absorbed. PEG is used in colon clean out procedures before a colonoscopy. In large amounts, electrolytes must be added (colyte, golytely).
I have a friend who ended up in the ER where they diagnosed "Miralax toxicity." Absolutely do not use it if you have a bowel obstruction or intestinal blockage. If you have these conditions, you could have dangerous or life-threatening side effects from polyethylene glycol 3350. In fact, there have been a growing number of adverse effects to the FDA's adverse events reporting system. Considering that MOST people do not take time to do this, the number of cases is considered an underestimate.
Instructions on Miralax say "Before taking polyethylene glycol 3350, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, kidney disease, nausea or vomiting with severe stomach pain, or if you have had a sudden change in bowel habits that has lasted 2 weeks or longer. Polyethylene glycol 3350 should produce a bowel movement within 1 to 3 days of using the medication.
The package insert advises not to use for more than 2 weeks and I think that should definitely be honored. I think the manufacturer knows all about the small percentage that is absorbed and by advising a two week limit, they are basically trying to tell us that if you continue, you run the risk of absorbing too much and it becoming toxic to you.
Use Heather's Acacia Fiber (this worked immediately for me) and take about 500mg of magnesium tablets instead (I take 250mg daily). If I get plugged, I take 750mg of magnesium tablets with lots of water.
-------------------- IBS-A, 'moderate' diverticulosis, post-cholecystectomy syndrome (PCS), many food allergies, asthma
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
Jason 61,
It is Saturday afternoon, and usually on the weekends the boards are not as busy, as people are out doing things they don't get done during the work week.
The people on these boards are most supportive, and if given the opportunity they will respond to your question in time. Maybe someone who is familiar with Miralax has not seen your post yet.
If you feel like you are not getting the answer you want quickly enough, you can always bump your post up, if necessary, or have a little more patience, since I see your post is pretty recent.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
is intend for short term use. It is commonly used to clear the colon prior to a colonoscopy. It is recommended that you "do not use this medication for more than 2 weeks unless directed by your doctor. Extended use or overuse may result in dependence on laxatives and chronic constipation". See Miralax recommended use for more details.
-------------------- STABLE: ♂, IBS-D 50+ years - Science of IBS
The FODMAP Approach to Managing IBS Symptoms
Evidence-based Dietary Management of Functional GI Symptoms: The FODMAP Approach
FODMAP Chart & Cheatsheet
The Role of Food & Dietary Intervention in IBS
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
I don't think you should use a laxative like that unless you are going in for a colonoscopy. I just had a colonoscopy, I used a different laxative, but it was still tough. A lot of diarrhea that you don't want to have
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
YES IT IS!!!
#343566 - 03/23/09 12:23 PM
|
|
|
Kappy
Reged: 10/09/08
Posts: 852
Loc: Mississippi
|
|
|
It is safe. My GI doctor has me on Miralax one dose/day. I take it right when I wake up in the morning about an hour before breakfast, works like a charm!!
I NEVER HAVE LOOSE OR WATERY STOOLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If I do get D I know it's D and not just the Miralax. Never cramped from it, I'm quite sure I am dependent on it, but I can't have a BM if I don't use something. I just get backed up even with alot of fiber!
I hope this helps, I haven't been on line since last week!
-------------------- IBS-C, Gas, Bloating, HURTING!
I'm married and it's so wonderful!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
It is safe. Sure there are warnings on ANY otc medicine that should be taken to heart and discussed with your doctor. But if my GI doctor says that I should use it, and there's no harm in taking it everyday, then I'm going to do it if that's what it takes to have a BM
I have been taking Miralax for 2 years now!!!!!!! I have not experienced anything bad.
Something's going to kill me oneday, it may be Miralax, but at least I will die with a clear colon!
-------------------- IBS-C, Gas, Bloating, HURTING!
I'm married and it's so wonderful!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
hmm
#343577 - 03/23/09 05:01 PM
|
|
|
|
I think at one time there were several people here taking it and mentioned nothing bad about it. I haven't kept up with it since I have no reason to take it myself, but now I find it very confusing that so many good things were said about it and now so many bad. At the time that it came out it was thought to not be a stimulant at all.
-------------------- IBS-A for 20 years with terrible bloating and gas. On the diet since April 2004. Remember this from Heather's information pages:
"You absolutely must eat insoluble fiber foods, and as much as safely possible, but within the IBS dietary guidelines. Treat insoluble fiber foods with suitable caution, and you'll be able to enjoy a wide variety of them, in very healthy quantities, without problem." Please eat IF foods!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
and you are correct... Miralax is not a stimulant laxative. I take it everyday and never have problems with it. I do have other IBS related problems, but it has never stemmed from the Miralax. I usually know what has caused my IBS flare up, which is usually my own d*mn fault!
-------------------- IBS-C, Gas, Bloating, HURTING!
I'm married and it's so wonderful!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|