[SophieUK]

I have used Normacol high fibre granules (sterculia) for years and they really help my IBS-C, but they are out of stock everywhere and have been for weeks.

Does anyone know where I can get some? Or if you have some in a cupboard somewhere would you be willing to send them to me? (I would of course pay for the granules and the postage costs).

(I have been a member of this forum for many years and used to be a moderator here back when Jeffrey Roberts ran it.)

 

[RJT92]

Hi Sophie. I am new to this community and have just seen your post which I can relate to, as I have been using Normacol Plus for nearly 10 years and currently having the same challenges as you. I saw somewhere it could be in stock in mid-March 'at the earliest', but I'm not so sure. I'm really sorry you're having a similar challenge.
I wondered if you might have any suggestions of alternatives whilst we wait for it to come back in stock? I have been using Psyllium Husk, Movicol, Bisacodyl, Magnesium to try and assist in the meantime, but as I say, Movicol is definitely the best!

 

[SophieUK]

Hi RJ, thank you very much for your reply and I'm sorry you're having the same problem. I'm afraid I contacted the manufacturers Norgine and got a reply that Normacol has been discontinued (their email is below). So that's the end of that.

My second favourite fibre supplement was Celevac (methylcellulose) but that's been discontinued in the UK as well. I have a terrible time with psyllium for some reason so I've bought Optifibre to try, which is partially hydrolysed guar gum. I take magnesium citrate tablets as well, 450mg per day. I've used Movicol in the past and it definitely worked but I struggled to find a balance between C and D.



Email from NORGINE:

"Unfortunately NORMACOL and NORMACOL Plus has been discontinued and is therefore no longer available for purchase or prescription.

The products have been discontinued by the manufacturer due to a supply issue affecting one of the key manufacturing ingredients.

NORMACOL and NORMACOL Plus is a well-known and longstanding medication, but thankfully there are multiple other alternative and established medications available so please consult with your healthcare practitioner (doctor or pharmacist) for advice on which alternative medication is suitable for you.

Apologies for any inconvenience that this causes you."

 

[RJT92]

Thank you so much for your reply and the update. That’s really disappointing news re Normacol isn’t it! I wonder why they discontinued it.
Yes Movicol isn’t great at all. I’ll try Optifibre, thank you for the recommendation.
Losing Normacol finally forced me into booking to see a nutritionist in a few weeks time.. let’s see.
Out of interest, have you ever been tested for sibo / Candida? Sorry for all of the questions, I’ve never come across anyone who also used Normacol too.

 

[Tania S]

Hi Sophie..... I am also new to this group - just signed up now so I could add and follow this thread. I came across this forum while scrolling the Web desperately trying to find info on why Normacol has been deleted. I too have used Normacol for my IBS for about 7 years - it's the only product that has worked for me so I'm gutted! I also have a couple of neurological conditions which cause major bowel issues so I'm really not sure where to from here. Had a great routine which was working well - combination of dulcolax caps and Normacol 2X day - now swapped out for Metamucil which has never worked in the past and isn't now. Have tried so many different products over the years from pharmacy to health food stores as well as elimination diets. Would love to hear if there are any positive updates on a comparative product - cheers from NZ