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Steroid suppositories...?

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Posted 12/18/2008 1:46 AM (GMT 0)
I searched but could not find the steroid suppositories that might be about same strength or little more than Proctofoam that I am using.  Suppositories are so much easier.  But Proctofoam is only 1% steroid and I don't really want to try high as 25%.  I know that answer is here but I could not find it.

Thanks.  I did not get to my appointment because of icy roads so hoping to talk on the phone to doctor and try something else for the little rectal ulcers that I have.

ElaineNY

Posted 12/19/2008 8:47 PM (GMT 0)

Please - anyone know?  I really would prefer the suppositories but would like to know what to ask my NP about.

ElaineNY

Posted 12/19/2008 8:53 PM (GMT 0)
     Elaine, could you be referring to Canasa suppositories?  Not sure if they are a steroid or not but that is what the doctors had me taking in the hospital and when I came home as I could not retain the enemas.
Posted 12/19/2008 9:29 PM (GMT 0)

No - they are mesalamine which I am sensitive to.  I used Canasa for a while before I started having side effects and they were so easy to use.  I had to go to a rectal foam and it is harder for me to insert, retain, etc.  Looking for similar to Proctofoam in suppository form.  I am sure my doc will know but I don't have an appointment until mid January.  Had to cancel mine due to weather.  Thought I might call and was going to make a suggestion (HEE HEE) - I know I read it here but can't think of what it is.

Thanks anyway!

ElaineNY

Posted 12/19/2008 10:21 PM (GMT 0)
I think you might be thinking about Anucort or Anusol. It has 25 mg steroid, which is more than Proctofoam and less than Cortifoam.

Posted 12/19/2008 10:54 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, probably that is the one - Anusol. I think the Proctofoam is about 1% steroid and Anusol about 25% - hoping for something in the middle. Anyway, maybe I could use it with some breaks to see how it works for me. Thanks.
I see you used Proctofoam - no good results for you? Do you use both Canasa and Anucort - seems like overkill but we are all different. I am so sensitive to any medications - the old lady in me, I guess.
ElaineNY
Posted 12/20/2008 4:16 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Elaine,

I use the same hydrocortisone suppository as ComedyDork (25 mg steroid). From what I recall of my research on the web (looking at the drug companys' own pages, etc), Proctofoam has 8 mg steroid, so hydrocortisone suppositories have only 3 times as much steroid, not 25 times as much. This is the "something in the middle". Cortifoam has quite a bit more.

I am using both Canasa and hydrocortisone suppositories; results have been good, and I'm getting ready to taper the hydrocortisone (may wait until after Christmas). I had been using Canasa on its own, and that wasn't enough. In fact, maybe it even makes things worse, who knows? I seem to be sensitive to 5-ASAs like you.

I started seeing results within days after starting the hydrocortisone suppositories. Part of what has helped is likely the Metamucil, which I started at the same time on my doctor's strong recommendation.

Hope you're soon feeling better --
emory
Posted 12/20/2008 4:45 PM (GMT 0)
I did use Proctofoam for almost 3 months but it didn't make a difference. I've been alternating every night between Canasa and Anucort; Canasa previously had caused looser stools but Anucort didn't stop the bleeding, so I've been using both. But I've stopped the Canasa and am tapering off Anucort (every 3rd night).

I hope you start feeling better!
Posted 12/20/2008 5:09 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks everyone.  My appointment is January 9.  Had to change it because of a blizzard/ice storm.  If all stays the same I will wait until then to ask about new rectal meds.  Doing pretty good on Proctofoam and Align.  I am afraid to add Metamucil as tried that twice in my life and could not adjust. My husband takes Metamucil for constipation (which I NEVER HAVE HAD).  Iknow it can help - but Align keeps my stool solid, etc. so sticking with that but asking doc about a fiber, etc.  I also eat bland mostly - no fiber food.  He recommended that until I am healed.

I will take my Imodium as needed during the holidays to get to my sons and niece's (30 mile ride) and back.  Also, having IBS, I have to deal with that too.

ElaineNY

Posted 12/20/2008 5:16 PM (GMT 0)

emory - I looked again at the Proctofoam wedsite because I believed I read it has 1% steroids.  This is what it said...

"Hydrocortisone acetate USP 1%: a topical corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and vasoconstrictive properties. The anti-inflammatory action of hydrocortisone inhibits the inflammatory reaction to toxic or mechanical injury.

Pramoxine hydrochloride USP 1%: is a surface or local anesthetic, which is not chemically related to the "cain" types of local anesthetics. Its unique chemical structure is likely to minimize the danger of cross-sensitivity reactions in patients allergic to other local anesthetics. Pramoxine produces satisfactory surface anesthesia and is well tolerated on the skin and mucous membranes. It works by numbing the area that is treated."

I am concerned about 25% every day as I am so sensitive to everything.

We will see January 9 what doc recommended.  Maybe the Anucort every three days or something to help along the Proctofoam.  Suppositories are so much easier to use.

ElaineNY

Posted 12/20/2008 11:03 PM (GMT 0)
Elaine, I think you're confusing percentages with actual milligrams of steroid. The numbers I gave were milligrams; my suppositories are 25 mg, not 25%, and I think if you read in detail you'll find that a dose of Proctofoam has 8 mg steroid. My suppositories are usually prescribed for hemorrhoids.

Sounds like Align is doing the same thing for you that Metamucil has done for me, so no point adding anything else.

There's rotten weather everywhere, isn't there? We've had almost a week of sub-zero nights. Makes it hard to get excited about leaving the house.

Take care,
emory
Posted 12/21/2008 1:29 AM (GMT 0)

I finally go it, I think.  However, I am stubborn and although I understand I could not find the 8 mg. in Proctofoam anywhere on the internet and I do a lot of research.  Anyway, I believe you - no problem there.  Still quite a gap in 8mg and 25mg. if I am sensitive to the it.  It is mostly that suppositories are easier for me and I can get them up further and nothing comes out until morning!  (residue, I guess) so I like them better.

I know these are all prescribed for hemmroids (but some say also for proctitis which I have).  Asking doc about Anucort or similiar.

Thanks, ElaineNY

 

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