Teen suffers stroke on pill

Q. My daughter was switched to generic birth-control pills (norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol) by our pharmacy.

The same week she started the new generic, she had massive head pain and began vomiting uncontrollably.

We got her to the emergency room promptly, where she was diagnosed with multiple blood clots in her brain. She had no risk factors. She does not smoke, drink alcohol or take illegal drugs. She is 16 years old. How could this happen?

A. We are so sorry to hear of your daughter’s nightmare with generic birth-control pills. We have no way of knowing whether the blood clots were triggered by her medicine, but oral contraceptives may on rare occasions cause strokes even in young, healthy women.

The unresolved question is whether the generic formulation posed an added risk.

Another reader reported that after being switched from the brand-name Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo to a generic product, she had a “terrible experience.”

Side effects from the pill seem to be related to the dose of hormones in the formula.

Since the initial introduction of oral contraceptives 50 years ago, the dose has dropped dramatically.

We can only hope that generic products are being monitored to ensure that the hormone dose is not excessive.

Q. When I was 53, I was diagnosed with osteoporosis. I started with Fosamax, but every time I took it I felt like I had the flu.

Then the doctor prescribed Forteo. It helped, but not enough. Actonel gave me an ulcer after seven months. Now I am on Reclast.

By the way, I also was diagnosed with celiac disease, which explains why my bones are in bad shape.

I feel like I have exhausted all options. Is there anything else to strengthen bones?

A. Celiac disease interferes with nutrient absorption and poses a serious risk for osteoporosis.

Your case illustrates the danger of going undiagnosed.

Actonel, Boniva, Fosamax and Reclast are similar drugs.

There are other options, including Evista, low-dose estrogen and calcitonin.

Vitamin D and exercise also are critical for maintaining bone health.

We are sending you our Guide to Osteoporosis with more details about medications and nondrug approaches.

Anyone who would like a copy, please send $3 in check or money order with a long (No. 10), stamped (61 cents), self-addressed envelope to: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. U-92, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. It also can be downloaded for $2 from our Web site: www.peoplespharmacy.com.

In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of The Vindicator or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com. Their newest book is “Favorite Foods From The People’s Pharmacy: Mother Nature’s Medicine.”

2010 King Features Syndicate Inc.