HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Canasa vs. Steroid Suppositories

Support Forums
>
Ulcerative Colitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 3/3/2009 3:44 PM (GMT 0)
Hello!
I did a little quick search and I did not find anything exactly like my question so I hope I am not being redundant. Anyway, I was given both steroid suppositories and Canasa suppositories for a recent flare of my Ulcerative Colitis. I was initially put on prednisone and protosert (the steroid suppositories) which got rid of all my symptoms including the blood. Now, my question is… is it okay for me to just start using Canasa suppositories or is it best to taper? I asked my doctor and she could not give me a straight answer. She just said to experiment and see what works best. Also, is it okay to use both, alternating between days? Lastly, I am planning on getting pregnant and I was wondering if anyone had an experience with using steroid suppositories while pregnant. My doctor said it would be okay for me to use them while pregnant but I am a little reluctant. I have yet to try out the Canasa suppositories but have used Rowasa enemas in the past so I am not worried about side effects. I'd also love to hear anyone's experiences with canasa vs. steroid suppositories. Thanks in advance for your help and advice!

Katie

Diagnosed with Pancolitis in October 2006.
Current Meds: Lialda 3 pills-2.4mg tabs, Prednisone (15mg, tapering), Proctosert 25mg
Posted 3/3/2009 4:20 PM (GMT 0)
Try Rowsa It is like Canasa but get higher up with the medicine and seems to work better.
Posted 3/3/2009 4:34 PM (GMT 0)
Katie,

Yes, you can use them at the same time, and yes, you should taper.

For about four months, I used both Canasa and steroid suppositories daily -- steroid in the morning, Canasa at bedtime. I tapered slowly off the steroid suppositories (as recommended by my GI's nurse), first skipping every third day for a week or so, then every other day, then using one every third day... I had been using Canasa for almost four months before adding the steroid suppositories; the steroid suppositories (and smooth Metamucil) seemed to be what helped me start improving.

Good luck to you --
emory
Posted 3/3/2009 8:32 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your advice teacupsunderfire. I have used Rowasa in the past and had little success but had only used it for about a week. The flare got worse so I stopped using it after I had been on prednisone. I will think about using it again if the Canasa and Proctosert does not help.

Thanks emory! I will give the taper a try. Sometimes doctors can be so elusive with advice! My doctor's usual response is "you know your body best!" I can only fight this myself so much.
Posted 3/3/2009 9:00 PM (GMT 0)
     Last year while in a flare I had a hard time keeping the Cort enemas in so the doctor prescribed Canasa.  I took it for awhile until my condition started to improve, then took Canasa and Cort enemas on alternating night.  Worked for me.
Posted 3/4/2009 2:13 AM (GMT 0)
Slowly replace your steroid supps with Canasa.  First use the Canasa twice in the week - then 3 times - then every other day - etc. till you are only using the Canasas and not the steroids.  If you find that you are getting symptomatic - slow down.
Posted 3/4/2009 3:21 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your advice everyone!
I'm still looking to hear if anyone has used either Canasa or steroid suppositories while pregnant?
Posted 3/4/2009 5:27 AM (GMT 0)
I used hydrocortisone enemas with my first pregnancy, which I am guessing would be similiar to the suppositories. 

I was in a HORRIBLE flare when I was 6 weeks pregnant and they helped to get it back under control.  I had to use them for 2-3 weeks and then was able to switch back to rowasa enemas and then tapered those down to once a week.  You will have to see how the pregnancy goes.  Some women flare and some stay in remission.  I flared badly with my first pregnancy(but I was on NO meds like an idiot) and only had a very minor flare with my second.  With both pregnancies I had pretty bad flares after giving birth.  With my first it was 6 weeks after and my second it was 4 weeks after.  Be prepared in case you do flare as you will need help with the newborn and trying to get yourself back in remission.  That part is not fun if it happens to you.  The hormones play a huge role in my UC symptoms.  If you need anymore advice let me know. 

Posted 3/4/2009 2:11 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your input Jen! Hormones also play a role in my UC as well. I tend to get mini flares during my period. Not fun! I am hoping I am one of those women that do better during pregnancy. I am crossing my fingers :)
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply