Question - Acetylcysteine

adman · March 2013

Fellow members,

I have my 2nd CT w contrast next week at the 8 month point and the 1st scan they used Acetylcysteine (liquid - 1 gram every 8 hours ) to protect my remaining kidney. Worked great, no side effects.

This time there is none available, anywhere, and the radiologist has prescribed an alternative [ Theophylline - tablet 200mg, extended relsease ]. Two pharmacists I've spoken with have told me they've never heard of this 'indication' - I'm wondering if anyone has heard of this 'alternative' drug taken for this purprose and what side effects, if any, did you experience.

Jeff [ MedScanMan ] on this list advised me last time to only take 50 [ not sure if ml, mg, etc ] of the contrast dye at the time of scan - which I did. Worked great.

I'll also message him and see if he's heard of this drug and indication.

Thanks for the help everyone.

~ M

adman · March 2013

I found this link....

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/12745095/

NanoSecond · March 2013

N-Acetyl Cysteine

I believe this is what you are after. If so, it is a very common supplement available on-line from Amazon and other sources.

Because it is an effective helper in the detoxification process, NAC has been approved by the FDA for treatment of acetaminophen overdose and to help protect the kidneys from the toxic effects of IV contrast used in some CT scans and X-ray studies.

"NAC is also found naturally in a variety of foods, including: poultry, egg yolks, yogurt, red peppers, garlic, onions, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and other cruciferous vegetables. It is also found in oats, wheat germ, asparagus, and avocado.” – Dr. Terry L. Wahls

adman · March 2013

NanoSecond said:
N-Acetyl Cysteine
I believe this is what you are after. If so, it is a very common supplement available on-line from Amazon and other sources.

Because it is an effective helper in the detoxification process, NAC has been approved by the FDA for treatment of acetaminophen overdose and to help protect the kidneys from the toxic effects of IV contrast used in some CT scans and X-ray studies.

"NAC is also found naturally in a variety of foods, including: poultry, egg yolks, yogurt, red peppers, garlic, onions, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and other cruciferous vegetables. It is also found in oats, wheat germ, asparagus, and avocado.” – Dr. Terry L. Wahls

N-Acetyl Cysteine

I've used the drug before as mentioned in my original post - the problem is, it's not available...very hard to get for whatever reason.

The tablets are not available in the USA at a national-type pharmacy. Are you in the US?

NanoSecond · March 2013

adman said:
N-Acetyl Cysteine

I've used the drug before as mentioned in my original post - the problem is, it's not available...very hard to get for whatever reason.

The tablets are not available in the USA at a national-type pharmacy. Are you in the US?

Yes, I reside outside of

Yes, I reside outside of Washington DC.

Try here: http://www.amazon.com/N-Acetyl-Cysteine-600-100-Caps/dp/B00068GKC8

Drugstore.com has them too. My local organic grocery store (Dawson's) has them. Where are you in the USA that you can't get them?

adman · March 2013

NanoSecond said:
Yes, I reside outside of
Yes, I reside outside of Washington DC.

Try here: http://www.amazon.com/N-Acetyl-Cysteine-600-100-Caps/dp/B00068GKC8

Drugstore.com has them too. My local organic grocery store (Dawson's) has them. Where are you in the USA that you can't get them?

Not sure....

...why the liquid is so hard to find. the links. Thanks for the links. Not sure why CVS or Wal Mart pharmacies don't grave the pills???

NanoSecond · March 2013

adman said:
Not sure....
...why the liquid is so hard to find. the links. Thanks for the links. Not sure why CVS or Wal Mart pharmacies don't grave the pills???

Not sure...

Nor am I. Very strange. But then again, I never by any supplements at CVS or WalMart. Not even calcium or vitamin C. I don't trust their sources.

Incidentally, my creatinine level has constantly been between 1.1-1.2 mG/dL. I don't understand the logic behind just taking NAC the day before and on the day of the CT scan. I take it to everyday to protect my kidney.

If you are interested I have prepared a detailed explanation of the science and rationale behind the diet I follow and all the supplements I take. Just email me at: n.feldman@videopost.com and I will email you back a copy (it is a 60-page .pdf file).

I have been taking Sutent at 50mg/day @ 4wks on/1wk off since last August. I also get a shot of Xgeva once a month. So far I have not had suffered any significant side effects from either of these drugs.

-NanoSecond (Neil)

adman · March 2013

NanoSecond said:
Not sure...
Nor am I. Very strange. But then again, I never by any supplements at CVS or WalMart. Not even calcium or vitamin C. I don't trust their sources.

Incidentally, my creatinine level has constantly been between 1.1-1.2 mG/dL. I don't understand the logic behind just taking NAC the day before and on the day of the CT scan. I take it to everyday to protect my kidney.

If you are interested I have prepared a detailed explanation of the science and rationale behind the diet I follow and all the supplements I take. Just email me at: n.feldman@videopost.com and I will email you back a copy (it is a 60-page .pdf file).

I have been taking Sutent at 50mg/day @ 4wks on/1wk off since last August. I also get a shot of Xgeva once a month. So far I have not had suffered any significant side effects from either of these drugs.

-NanoSecond (Neil)

How long.....

....have you been taking this dosage every day?

My creatinine last time I checked was also 1.1-1.2 w/o taking it.

NanoSecond · March 2013

adman said:
How long.....

....have you been taking this dosage every day?

My creatinine last time I checked was also 1.1-1.2 w/o taking it.

Dosage

Yes, I have taken it everyday since mid-September.

That is a great creatinine number. I suspect my number would likely have been the same without my taking NAC every day as well.

Kidney protection is only one of the reasons that I take it. There are many other more important benefits.

donna_lee · March 2013

NanoSecond said:
Dosage
Yes, I have taken it everyday since mid-September.

That is a great creatinine number. I suspect my number would likely have been the same without my taking NAC every day as well.

Kidney protection is only one of the reasons that I take it. There are many other more important benefits.

Interesting variety of problems

Since my original RCC Dx in 2006, I have had about 20+ CT scans since then, all with Acetylcyst the day before and morning of the test. No one locally carries the tablet form (southern Oregon coast), so I always am give liquid form. It is horribly musty,rotten, & sulferish smelling. The only thing I can palate to mix it with is a cran-raspberry juice drink.

I understand what it aides with in the body post-CT; but a year ago, my PC indicated the Medical Review committee at our hospital was recommending it not be prescribed for CT kidney patients, as there were no measurable benefits from its use. When I commented on this to my oncology nurse, she said she wasn't aware of that recommendation.

See the Dr. next week on my check up, so will ask him if there is a change in protocol.

I'll let you know.

Donna

adman · March 2013

UPDATE

After speaking to my ONC Dr - [ not a Neph Dr ] she suggested I not take the alternative drug - Theophylline - tablet 200mg that was suggested by the radiologist. She says just hydrate really well before and after since my eGFR was 78 / Creatinine 1.1 on last blood test. Having blood taken this Wednesday, we'll see what it is this time. Scared!!

Texas_wedge · March 2013

adman said:
UPDATE

After speaking to my ONC Dr - [ not a Neph Dr ] she suggested I not take the alternative drug - Theophylline - tablet 200mg that was suggested by the radiologist. She says just hydrate really well before and after since my eGFR was 78 / Creatinine 1.1 on last blood test. Having blood taken this Wednesday, we'll see what it is this time. Scared!!

UPDATE

MG, I believe you've now been given good advice, at last. My eGFR is running at 53 last time (oscillates between there and something over 60) and there's never been any question of my doing anything but hydrate well, before and after CT with contrast. My facility is top notch and has all the latest gear and also IC backup units etc. so it's not due to naivite on their part and I've never had any trouble at all. Admittedly I'm very fit and healthy but, at 70, I've got a good few years on you! (I'm having scans at intervals of 3 months or less.)

adman · March 2013

Texas_wedge said:
UPDATE
MG, I believe you've now been given good advice, at last. My eGFR is running at 53 last time (oscillates between there and something over 60) and there's never been any question of my doing anything but hydrate well, before and after CT with contrast. My facility is top notch and has all the latest gear and also IC backup units etc. so it's not due to naivite on their part and I've never had any trouble at all. Admittedly I'm very fit and healthy but, at 70, I've got a good few years on you! (I'm having scans at intervals of 3 months or less.)

As always, my friend...

....you always find a way to say the right thing at the right time! Thank you for the follow up support...Peace & Love!!

I will let everyone know what my bloodwork says by this Wednesday night.

God Bless!

adman · March 2013

adman said:
As always, my friend...

....you always find a way to say the right thing at the right time! Thank you for the follow up support...Peace & Love!!

I will let everyone know what my bloodwork says by this Wednesday night.

God Bless!

TESTS delayed...

I'm delaying CT & Blood tests until next week.

Question - Acetylcysteine

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