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IDDT Canada

Gastroparesis - Cisapride [Prepulsid] is available

Gastroparesis is caused by neuropathy affecting the nerves to the stomach. They do not work properly and food remains in the stomach for a longer time than normal. This can affect blood glucose control. It is known to affect up to 25% of people with diabetes but now there are suggestions that it may affect up to 50% of people with diabetes to a greater or lesser degree.

Many people with gastroparesis have been successfully treated with a drug called Cisapride [Prepusid] but this has been withdrawn from the market leaving no similar alternative drug. Health Canada has recognised the need for people with gastroparesis due to diabetes to have this product and so Cisapride is available through Health Canada's Special Access Program if the following procedure is followed:

· The doctor needs to be sure that the patient does not have any cardiac problems and that he/she is aware of the precautions and will follow them.

· On the request form the doctor must be specific and state that the need is due to gastroparesis caused by diabetes and that all other drugs have failed.

· He must emphasise the gastroparesis and the effects it has on the patient.

The doctor submits the order to Health Canada and Apotex Canada will then supply Cisapride to the doctor who can then send it to the pharmacy or give it directly to the patient. When it is time to re-order, the doctor must indicate that it is a re-order and it should be passed quite quickly.

Coverage of the drug ordered this way should be possible but it will depend on where the patient lives.

Note: Cisapride can be obtained in the US but people have to take part in research in order to obtain it.

For more information on gastroparesis go to our home page, please see our section on Neuropathy