I have UC
Diagnosed about a week ago after a colonoscopy. Current treatment is Entocort (Budisone) 9mg daily. Great stuff; no side effects except to help my arthritis.
Here’s the Questions:
Has anyone been on Entocort long term? AstraZenaca, the manufacturer says 8 weeks at 9mg, then 3 months at 6mg, then get weaned off. My gastro doc says long term is OK. Since its not supposed to be a systemic steroid, this makes sense. Remicade sounds like a drug that you’d try if nothing else works. Comments are welcome.
(Thanks for writing in anonomous newly diagnosed UC’er! I myself don’t have any experience with Entocort, but I hope some others do. I did try Remicade for 3 infusions, and I would agree that remicade is more or less a last resort type of med.)
September 7, 2010 at 7:09 pm
I’m currently taking the same drug at the same dosage. This is my third month on it and I’ll most likely continue for three months on it. My doctor hasn’t said anything about weaning me off of it. The only side effects I experience are severe muscle cramps. This is the only steroid I’ve taken. I’m also taking Salofalk and tomorrow I’ll start on VSL#3. I have found my UC is slightly better with Entocort but I’m still not out of this current flare.
From the research I’ve done, Entocort seems to be the “best” steroid to be taking since it has the least severe side effects.
Anyway, hope this helps.
Keep us updated with how you’re doing.
cheers,
vicki
September 14, 2010 at 5:28 pm
I used to get leg cramps because I also take a water pill. I take 10 MEQ Potassium Chloride twice a day to address what was a chemical imbalance caused by my water pill (high blood pressure) and other issues. You might want to ask your doc about that potential remedy for your muscle cramps. I still get them once in a while (after alot of exercise) but not as often as I used to.
Good luck.