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Frequently Asked Questions about Scopace
The following questions were submitted by people who are not affiliated with Hope Pharmaceuticals.
Need a Prescription?
Would like to try Scopace. Can I order
it from you without a prescription? If not, then how specifically should my physician
write a prescription and where should I send the prescription to get it filled? Want to try this product ASAP.
The following answer was provided:
Thank you for your interest in Scopace
tablets. This medication is indicated to prevent motion sickness and is available by
prescription only through pharmacies nationwide. Therefore, you must obtain a prescription
from your doctor and have it filled at pharmacy of your choice. I respectfully suggest
that you print the online product information, share it with your doctor, and discuss
whether Scopace would be beneficial for your needs.
My Doctor is Not Aware of Scopace
I found your page
(www.motionsickness.net/reviews.html) while looking for information on alternatives
to the scopolamine patch. Is Scopace still available? When I asked my doctor if
scopolamine came in a pill form he was not aware of it. Please let me know. I would like
to pass the information on to him. Thank you.
The following answer was provided:
Thank you for your inquiry regarding
Scopace tablets. This medication is available by prescription through pharmacies
nationwide. Please print the online information at www.motionsickness.net to share with
your doctor and discuss whether Scopace would be beneficial for your needs. I invite your
doctor to call us toll-free at (800) 755-9595 if any questions arise.
Is
Scopace Available?
I am confused about the availability
of Scopace tablets. I live in the Houston area, the "home of the astronauts,"
and I cannot find a pharmacy that stocks these tablets. The pharmacy (Walgreens) could not
find them listed in their computer and did find a reference on microfiche and said they
are so old that they are not easy to get from their distributor. I went on a 10 day
research sea cruise in the Caribbean last week and just before I left I had to change my
prescription for Scopace tablets to the patch. Do you know anything about the distribution
of Scopace tablets in the Houston area? Seems to me you are missing a big market here.
The following answer was provided:
Thank you for your message regarding
the availability of Scopace tablets. We distribute this medication nationwide through
regional drug wholesalers and distributors. There are several wholesalers in Texas that
carry this medication. Information on Scopace availability that would assist a pharmacist
in obtaining a supply is posted online at www.motionsickness.net/available.html.
The database that I believe was used
by your pharmacist does not cross reference all branded medications with their
corresponding generic names. Based on the description you provided, I discern that the
pharmacist searched the database for "scopolamine tablets" and consequently
missed the reference to "Scopace". Let me confirm that our product is presently
available and is listed as "Scopace" in the major pharmacy databases including Medispan
and Facts & Comparisons.
It is unfortunate that your pharmacist
did not call me toll-free at (800) 755-9595 when questions arose regarding the
availability of Scopace tablets. If called, I would have been able to correct any
misinformation regarding product availability, identified local distributors, and even
offered to drop-ship product directly to the pharmacy.
If questions persist with your local
pharmacy, a supply of Scopace can be obtained from Steven's Pharmacy (a mail order
pharmacy in Costa Mesa, California - toll free number 800-352-3784) or from Drugstore.Com
(affiliated with Rite Aid, toll free number 800-378-4786.
Dosing
Interval
A patient called for a prescription
for Scopace. What is the dosing interval?
The following answer was provided:
Thank you for your inquiry regarding
Scopace tablets. Each dose provides approximately 8 hours of travel comfort; consequently,
it would be appropriate to consider a dosing schedule of every 8 hours as needed.
Dosing Instructions
I just recently had a prescription
filled for Scopace, but the filling pharmacist wasn't familiar with it, so he specified on
the instructions "Use as directed." Could you send me the dosage info? Thank you in advance.
The following answer was provided:
In response to your inquiry, I refer
you to the prescribing information that is posted at www.motionsickness.net. Note that
when used to prevent motion sickness, Scopace is typically prescribed 1 - 2 tablets, begin
1 hour before travel. Each dose provides approximately 8 hours of travel comfort. I
respectfully suggest that you confirm the prescribing instructions with your doctor before
you begin taking the medication.
How to Take a Dose
I have a question about the Scopace
tablets. I currently take anywhere from 1/2 to 1 tablet to prevent motion sickness when I
play some sports - particularly basketball. Most of the time it works, but when it doesn't
I am not sure if it got into my system quickly enough. Should this be taken on an empty
stomach or with food? What about water, a lot? I need instructions to achieve the quickest
absorption. Sometimes I only take the pill shortly before I play. Thanks very much.
The following answer was provided:
Thank you for your inquiry regarding
Scopace tablets. The tablets begin dissolving within 15 minutes and typically start
providing effect within an hour after ingesting. The following ideas may hasten the
absorption of this medication:
1. Take the medication on an empty
stomach. If there is food in the stomach, the medication may mix with the food and be
absorbed gradually in the small intestine instead of in the stomach.
2. Before taking the medication, crush
or dissolve the tablet. (If you crush the tablet, place the tablet pieces in a glass of
water to facilitate swallowing.) This will reduce the time required for the active
ingredient to be released and available for absorption.
Even if you follow the above steps,
please be aware that some time will be required to ensure that sufficient medication is
absorbed to exert its effect. You may wish to discuss this matter with your doctor or
pharmacist to confirm these ideas and seek additional thoughts.
Comparison
to OTC Products
Can you please explain the difference
between this product and OTC motion sickness drugs especially with regard to potency and
side effects such as drowsiness. Thank you.
The following answer was provided:
Thank you for your interest in Scopace
tablets. This medication is indicated to prevent motion sickness and is available by
prescription through pharmacies nationwide. Scopace contains scopolamine, which is
recognized in the medical literature as the most effective agent to prevent motion
sickness.
In response to your question regarding
other agents, please note that over-the-counter (OTC) products are well suited for persons
with modest conditions which can be resolved with self-medication. Prescription-strength
medicine is intended for persons with moderate to severe conditions. A clinical study
conducted by NASA researchers compared the efficacy of 16 different motion sickness
remedies. This study not only documented that scopolamine was the most effective medicine,
but also that its efficacy far surpassed that of OTC products. [References provided at
www.motionsickness.net].
Motion
Sickness While Driving
Hello! I have been reading
"intensely" your reports, emails, and letters of praise about this medication.
And I have a couple of questions... We recently bought a Chevy Tahoe only to learn I
cannot ride in it unless I am driving and that's a bummer when more than our family is in
it. Not to mention that my husband's a truck driver and begs us to go with him on trips.
Anyway, this sounds great for sea sickness and flights, but we were wondering about the
"car sick" and how it may help us? Thanks so much for your time and any
response you may provide.
The following answer was provided:
Thank you for your inquiry in Scopace
tablets. This medication is indicated to prevent motion sickness, irrespective whether you
are riding in a boat, car, airplane, or train.
Living
on a Yacht
I just read the information about
Scopace as a relief for motion sickness. I get motion sick and am considering living on a
yacht. Please advise. Is Scopace still an option for me? I eagerly await some information
from you. Thank you for your time.
The following answer was provided:
Thank you for your interest in Scopace
tablets. This medication is indicated to help prevent motion sickness.
The goal of therapy is to take as
little medication as is necessary. Since we acclimate to motion over time, you may require
a higher dose initially than you would after several days. It may even be possible that
you would not need motion sickness medication after you adjust to the new conditions. This
medication may be well suited for your intended use because you and your doctor can adjust
the dose to meet your ongoing needs.
I respectfully suggest that you print
the online product information at www.motionsickness.net and share it with your doctor to
discuss whether Scopace would be beneficial for you.
Use
While Diving
I've always had problems with motion
sickness. Being in the back of cars, small planes, and on boats causes problems. Recently,
I started diving but I have real concerns about continuing this due to the getting sick.
Last week I went on my first deep dive. This creates a problem because of the surface
intervals on multiple dives. The waiting while anchored can be a problem even on a calm
day. I've used the patch (which helps) until it washes off. The last time I took the a
"Less Drowsy" OTC medicine and ginger which helped modestly as I had to keep the
land in sight. I am looking for something to help but you have me worried due to possible
side effects. Usually I do not feel mild side effects in medications other than
drowsiness. Is Scopace an option for me while diving? I need something that truly works.
The following answer was provided:
Thank you for your inquiry regarding
Scopace tablets. This medication is indicated to prevent motion sickness and is available
by prescription through pharmacies nationwide.
Motion sickness medications may cause
drowsiness to varying degrees, including scopolamine. The incidence of this side effect is
dose-related with scopolamine: namely, the higher the dose, the greater the likelihood of
experiencing drowsiness. We urge caution when taking Scopace, even at low doses, if one is
participating in dangerous activities such as diving. Medicine that causes drowsiness may
impair your concentration and impact your safety while diving. Therefore, I respectfully
suggest that you print the online product information and discuss with your doctor whether
Scopace would be beneficial. If you and your doctor believe that this medication would be
beneficial, please ask your doctor to consider whether a trial taken while at home may be
appropriate to determine whether you are prone to develop drowsiness with a particular
dose.
Expiration
Date
I have some Scopace left over from
August 2000. I was wondering if I can use the leftovers next week, or if I should call in
a new prescription. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
The following answer was provided:
Thank you for your inquiry regarding
Scopace tablets. This medication, like all others, is packaged with an expiration date
after which it should not be taken. The expiration date should be listed on the
prescription label generated by the pharmacy. If the expiration date for the medication
has already passed, I must respectfully suggest that you obtain a fresh supply of
medication.
Prostate
Will taking Scopace effect my prostate
during flight and make it difficult to urinate?
The following answer was provided:
Thank you for your inquiry regarding
Scopace tablets. This medication is contraindicated for persons with prostatic
hypertrophy. Therefore, if you have prostatic hypertrophy, you should not use this
medication. I recommend that you confer with your doctor to discusss the treatment options
available to you.
Drowsiness
I am going on a cuise in January and
tend to experience motion sickness. On our last cruise I took an OTC motion sickness
medicine. I experienced tiredness, even with the non-drowsy kind. On this site
[www.motionsickness.net] the side effects listed tiredness. Under warnings, it was advised
not to drink alcohol. This would be somewhat inconvenient on a cruise. I don't plan on
binging by any means, but would like to enjoy some mild social drinking. Any advice? I was
considering the patch until I read about this new medication [SCOPACE]. Thank you in
advance.
The following answer was provided:
Thank you for your interest in Scopace
tablets. As you noted, this medication is indicated to prevent motion sickness and is
available by prescription through pharmacies nationwide.
Motion sickness medications can cause
drowsiness, including Scopace. This side effect is "dose-related" with
scopolamine: the higher the dose take, the greater the likelihood of developing
drowsiness. At the low suggested dosages of one or two tablets per dose, the risk of
developing drowsiness may be modest. Nevertheless, it warrants caution. To determine one's
sensitivity to this medication, a patient (with the agreement of one's doctor) may
consider taking a dose at home and monitoring oneself for any reaction.
This concern for drowsiness is the
reason why patients are warned not to drive, operate dangerous machinery, or do other
things that require alertness while using scopolamine. Patients should also avoid using
alcohol while taking scopolamine because of the cumulative sedating effects of both
products. Since scopolamine tablets provide travel comfort for approximately 8 hours, it
is possible for persons on a cruise to take medication when needed and avoid the
medication at other times (for example, while on land).
Since these issues are very important,
I respectfully suggest that you print the online product information at
www.motionsickness.net, share it with your doctor, and discuss whether Scopace would be
beneficial for your needs.
Heat Stroke
I recently got a prescription for
Scopace from my doctor, because of an upcoming cruise I am going on. On the sheet that
came with the prescription, one of the cautions was not to overexert or overheat yourself
because of possible heat stroke. I work out regularly including lifting weights, and was
planning on continuing this on the cruise. Is this something I should be concerned with? Thanks!
The following answer was provided:
Thank you for your inquiry regarding
Scopace tablets. Scopolamine is documented to reduce sweat production. This effect is dose
related and typically associated with doses above that prescribed for motion sickness.
Given the nature of the exercise activity that you described, it may be prudent to talk
with your doctor to determine what is appropriate for your needs. Your doctor may
recommend that you take a trial dose while at home to observe whether you experience any
side effects.
Heart Condition
I am a 70 year old woman with a
history of motion sickness. I am going on a cruise and would like to be sure I do not get
sick. I have used the patch many years ago and it did work. I now have atrial fibrilation
and when I asked my doctor for the patch he said he could not give it to me. Please advise
if it is safe for me to take Scopace or the patch. Your prompt reply would be appreciated.
Thank you.
The following answer was provided:
Thank you for your inquiry regarding
Scopace tablets. Your doctor is correct that scopolamine should be used with caution by
patients with cardiac disease. In response to your inquiry, please understand that I
cannot provide specific medical advice regarding your condition. However, your questions
warrant discussion with your doctor. I recommend that you print the online product
information at www.motionsickness.net, share it with your doctor, and discuss whether a
trial prescription of a low dose of medication may be beneficial.
Abdominal Pain
Good morning! My daughter who is 14 has been having
alot of abdominal pain and her pediatrician prescribed Scopace 0.4 mg 3x's a day. I have a
question, I was reading at your website that it is for travel/motion sickness. Have you
heard of it being prescribed for abdominal pain? Thanks so much for your time.
The following answer was provided:
Thank you for your inquiry regarding
Scopace tablets. In addition to preventing motion sickness, Scopace is indicated to
"inhibit excessive motility and hypertonus of the gastrointestinal tract in such
conditions as the irritable colon syndrome, mild dysentery, diverticulitis, pylorospasm,
and cardiospasm." Although the description of your daughter's condition is limited,
it may be consistent with this additional indication, thereby prompting your doctor to use
the medication to provide relief. I respectfully suggest that you maintain contact with
your doctor and report your daughter's response to treatment so that an appropriate dose
for her needs is determined.
Diverticulitis
I am trying to get Scopace through my
doctor for an upcoming fishing trip. I am extremely susceptable to motion sickness, having
gotten very sick (nausea and vomiting) on every trip I have ever been on. I hope Scopace
will help.
Early this year, I had a bout with
diverticulitis. I have since recovered although as I understand it the diverticula will
remain in the intestine. I wanted to make sure that I would be able to take Scopace safely
with this condition. I am an otherwise very healthy and active 36 year old male in very
good physical condition.
Please let me know if you know of any
reason why I shouldn't take Scopace. Thanks much.
The following answer was provided:
Thank you for your inquiry regarding
Scopace tablets. Diverticuli are not listed as a contraindication precluding the use of
this medication. In contrast, the medication is indicated for the inhibition of excess
motility of the gastrointestinal tract in conditions including diverticulitis.
Nevertheless, it is prudent to discuss this matter with your doctor and ask whether a
trial dose while at home would be warranted.
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