Cisapride

Domperidone / Zelnorm^® / Cisapride

Cisapride access

Information for American gastroenterologists:

A compassionate release program for accessing Propulsid^® is still available in the United Stated by Janssen. Even if you are at an institution without an IRB, you may still apply. Janssen can provide a centralized IRB.

To learn more, call: 1-800-Janssen (1-800-526 7736)

Information for all Canadian doctors

You do not have to be a gastroenterologist in order to apply for special access to cisapride.

Of special interest to Pediatricians: The North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) has published a position statement on the use of cisapride in children and outlined its uses in various diagnostic criteria. Mainly for those children with fore-gut motility problems; examples: gastroparesis, severe GERD, and small intestinal pseudo-obstruction.

NASPGHAN's position statement on cisapride can be found here:

Accessing cisapride for pediatric, adolescent or adult patients is administered through Health Canada, Special Access Program (SAP)

Or, you can phone directly to Apotex Inc., the Canadian generic manufacturer of cisapride.

Apotex Inc.
150 Signet Drive
Weston, Ontario M9L 1T9
Facsimile: (416) 401-3835
General Inquiries: 1-800-268-4623

Call the general inquiries number and ask for Medical Information. A message can be left. Their staff will provide you with all the details of this program and fax all needed forms to you.

The forms take minutes to fill out and are submitted back to Health Canada SAP.

Turn around time is just a couple of weeks. The medication is mailed to your office for patient pick up. You can invoice the patient, or this can all be executed by the hospital pharmacy.

Cost is $61.00 for one hundred pills, 10mgm strength, of cisapride.