I thought that it would be important to continue on about the effectiveness of betahistine (Serc, betaserc) and why it isn’t considered as an option to treating Meniere’s disease in the USA.
First I found an interesting article from PubMed Central pertaining to betahistine and Meniere’s disease. It really isn’t a surprise but the article states that 94% of the Doctor’s in the UK prescribe betahistine for Meniere’s disease. That is amazing! In the USA betahistine is not considered effective by most doctors. Serc can be obtained through compounding pharmacies (with a prescription) and obtained from other countries especially Canada as I found out from a comment from one of my readers.
Dr. Tim Hains, an authority on vertigo and meniere’s, wrote an excellent article on betahistine in this country. It seems that serc was approved at one time in the US but for only 5 years. Apparently a lack of evidence that it was effective was the reason that it lost its approval. After reading Dr. Hain’s website it seems that he has also prescribed it to patients.
It really seems inexplicable to me why a drug that is used through out Europe to help relieve Meniere’s disease isn’t even approved by the FDA in the USA. It just makes sense that if 94% of the doctors in the UK think that it is okay why isn’t it okay over here (USA).
I am really puzzled by this.
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Sunday, November 29, 2009
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5 comments:
Hi David - I was prescribed Serc (32 MG per day/16Mg twice a day) last fall when I was first diagnosed with MD. It certainly helped for the severe episodes, but I suffered terrible stomach aches/pain so as a result decided to stick with meclizine and Gravol for bad bouts. I do know people who have tolerated it well and who it has helped, but for me it was a toss up.
In remission now since mid August (knock wood) and hopeful it will last for a while.
Karin Ade
Hi David
Taken Serc 2 x 16mg daily for 6 yrs reduces the intensity of attacks with no side affects. Tried a reduce dose but low dose ineffective.
In Australia SERC is approved by Federal government as a medication, but not "subsidized" because SERC does not work with ?% of people, so it is expensive, although it has dropped in price of late.
Bernadette Daws
Adelaide Australia
Hi Bernadette,
Thanks for your input on Serc. It is interesting to see how other countries use serc and whether it is effective.
keep in touch
David
Hi David,
I asked my consultant (here in the UK) about this. She said that the US research included Migraine related vertigo, but that betahistine didn't have any effect on this - hence the impression that it's ineffective for Meniere's. I take 16mg x 3 a day and it's good for reducing overall dizziness, though if I have an attack I use other drugs.
Alex, UK
Hi Alex,
I wish that the FDA would take another look at betahistine, it seems to work for a lot of folks.
Thanks for the comment
David
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