"At its cheapest online, it was 22.5 CNY per box. Now, for the same specifications, Taining suppositories have surged to 398 CNY per box."
A search on two well-known food delivery platforms reveals that local pharmacies in Changsha currently do not sell the medication "Taining suppository". Citizens can only purchase it from some large pharmacy's online platforms. The price of the currently available 3.4g x 6 pieces/package of Taining suppository also fluctuates significantly, with an average price of around 250 CNY. A netizen from Guangdong Province mentioned that in early February, they could still purchase a pack of 12 Taining suppositories for only 39.9 CNY.
Why has there been a comprehensive price increase and shortage of Taining suppositories? An email response from Xi'an Yangsen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. to a consumer reveals the underlying reason: due to a shortage of the raw material compound ester of tartaric acid, the company has ceased production and market supply of Taining suppositories since November last year.
Different from most cosmetics and skincare products, the content linked with Taining suppositories mainly consists of users' personal experiences and the anxiety expressed due to its discontinuation, with minimal advertising content.
"I can't live without Taining suppositories," said a netizen named "Qingqing" from Anhui, who suffers from anal fissures. "I haven't had an episode for almost half a year. Last month, after using the toilet, I felt a lot of pain and immediately wanted to buy a box of Taining suppositories, but I couldn't find any." Qingqing mentioned that since being diagnosed with anal fissures, she has been using Taining suppositories as recommended by her doctor. "They used to be very cheap, and once I used them, the pain would go away. They worked really well." Qingqing hopes that a pharmaceutical company can quickly come up with a replacement product.
Taining suppositories are also highly praised among pregnant women. Many expressed feeling devastated upon learning about its discontinuation. Netizen "Coco" said, "It's difficult for pregnant women without this. This is basically the only hemorrhoid medicine available."
An article about constipation during pregnancy released by the Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Health Hospital also mentioned that Taining suppositories can be used by pregnant women with hemorrhoids and concurrent constipation. This medication is a rectal suppository containing seaweed extract (carrageenan), which has a lubricating effect, making it easier for stools to pass. Taining suppositories also contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which have antipruritic, anti-congestive, anti-inflammatory, astringent, and wound-healing effects on the anal and rectal area.
Furthermore, a popular science article released by the Shanxi Provincial Hospital of Colorectal Medicine also mentioned that carrageenan, a seaweed extract, can form a protective film on the surface of the rectal mucosa in a moist environment. This film can remain on the surface of the rectal mucosa for 8-12 hours, providing protection to damaged or inflamed mucosa.
It's often said that "nine out of ten people have hemorrhoids." Hemorrhoids are a silent pain for most people, difficult to discuss openly.
Dr. Zhou Jie, Deputy Chief Physician of the 24th Ward (Gastrointestinal Surgery) at the Third Hospital of Changsha City, explains that hemorrhoids are protrusions in the anus, anal canal, and lower rectum. It's a common condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age. However, it's mainly associated with genetics, diet and lifestyle habits, constipation, alcohol consumption, prolonged sitting or squatting, pregnancy, and certain related diseases.
With the increasing popularity and frequent use of smartphones, many young people are glued to their screens, whether browsing the internet, reading, or playing games. In recent years, there has been a rising trend in the incidence of hemorrhoids among young people. Some young individuals often use their phones while sitting on the toilet, which can prolong the time spent in that position. This prolonged pressure on the intestines can easily lead to the formation of hemorrhoids.
