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Hi All,
I have been lurking here for a bit but didn't have anything to contribute until now. I have severe MGD where I have daily pain usually starting in the early afternoon. I have numerous drops and gels but those are not really effective (Lotemax works but must be used sparingly as it causes glaucoma and cataracts-per my specialist). Even 2.4 grams of Iburprofen does not work about 1/3rd of the time and I have to go to bed early-sometimes as early as 6pm.
As you all know, one thing that works in combination with the above is Azasite. However, I have no RX coverage and at $100 a bottle cannot afford to use it daily (that would cost $4000 a year) little on multiple times a day (primarily December into April- the cold months).
I do some traveling and while I was in Argentina I checked with a local pharmacy and discovered they have an Azasite substitute. The active ingredient exactly the same as in Azasite and the inactive ingredients are the same except for a couple: in Azasite there is sodium citrate and sodium chloride which are preservatives. In the brand in Argentina they use a different preservative which actually lasts 4 weeks rather then 2 as in Azasite.
Azasite also contains Poloxamer 407 which the Argentine brand does not. From my research this appears to be what makes Azasite thick-it is to remove lipid film (the Argentine brand is not thick).
I have been using the medicine (with my specialists' permission) for a year and have found it effective. One complaint I have with Azasite is that it is so think I believe some medicine always remains in the bottle. With the Argentine brand this isn't the case so it seems that while both are 2.5ml, Azasite actually does not last as long as some always remains in the bottle.
The other benefit of the Argentine brand is that is cost $15 a bottle. yes, $15 rather than $100. I just returned with a years' supply (52 bottles) and can use it as needed without going bankrupt or destroying my kidneys with massive doses of Ibuprofen. It requires refrigeration so I found a special bag that keeps the medicine within the correct range for up to 26 hours or more.
Wanted to post this so others know there are other options besides going bankrupt, living in terrible pain or destroying your kidneys.
If anyone would like further information they can send me a PM.
Sorry for the long post.
BTW- there is a new device just being tested here (came from Japan) for MGD that has shown to be effective in 80% of test subjects after 3 months. So there is hope for us.
Take care
Bruce
I have been lurking here for a bit but didn't have anything to contribute until now. I have severe MGD where I have daily pain usually starting in the early afternoon. I have numerous drops and gels but those are not really effective (Lotemax works but must be used sparingly as it causes glaucoma and cataracts-per my specialist). Even 2.4 grams of Iburprofen does not work about 1/3rd of the time and I have to go to bed early-sometimes as early as 6pm.
As you all know, one thing that works in combination with the above is Azasite. However, I have no RX coverage and at $100 a bottle cannot afford to use it daily (that would cost $4000 a year) little on multiple times a day (primarily December into April- the cold months).
I do some traveling and while I was in Argentina I checked with a local pharmacy and discovered they have an Azasite substitute. The active ingredient exactly the same as in Azasite and the inactive ingredients are the same except for a couple: in Azasite there is sodium citrate and sodium chloride which are preservatives. In the brand in Argentina they use a different preservative which actually lasts 4 weeks rather then 2 as in Azasite.
Azasite also contains Poloxamer 407 which the Argentine brand does not. From my research this appears to be what makes Azasite thick-it is to remove lipid film (the Argentine brand is not thick).
I have been using the medicine (with my specialists' permission) for a year and have found it effective. One complaint I have with Azasite is that it is so think I believe some medicine always remains in the bottle. With the Argentine brand this isn't the case so it seems that while both are 2.5ml, Azasite actually does not last as long as some always remains in the bottle.
The other benefit of the Argentine brand is that is cost $15 a bottle. yes, $15 rather than $100. I just returned with a years' supply (52 bottles) and can use it as needed without going bankrupt or destroying my kidneys with massive doses of Ibuprofen. It requires refrigeration so I found a special bag that keeps the medicine within the correct range for up to 26 hours or more.
Wanted to post this so others know there are other options besides going bankrupt, living in terrible pain or destroying your kidneys.
If anyone would like further information they can send me a PM.
Sorry for the long post.
BTW- there is a new device just being tested here (came from Japan) for MGD that has shown to be effective in 80% of test subjects after 3 months. So there is hope for us.
Take care
Bruce
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