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Newly Diagnosed, Prescribed Colazal

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 6/9/2010 6:14 PM (GMT 0)
I was just diagnosed with UC yesterday, the doctor has me taking 3 tables of Colazal 3 times daily.  Has anyone used this medication?  If so, how long does it generally take to start working?
Posted 6/9/2010 6:20 PM (GMT 0)
Hi and welcome to Healingwell. I've been on Colazal for about 4 years or so - before that I was on Asacol. I can't really say on how long it will take for the initial start up since I was on a med prior but I noticed a difference in about 2 weeks. It also depends on how bad your flare is and how your body is going to respond to the medication.
Posted 6/9/2010 9:28 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you!
Posted 6/9/2010 9:51 PM (GMT 0)
     I've been on Colazal for ten years.  Although I still suffer from ulcerative proctitis, I credit Colazal for the benefit of having the ulcerations contained to the rectum and not traveling further into my colon.  Unfortunately, I have become prednisone dependent over the last two years and am facing surgery on June 28th. 
Posted 6/10/2010 1:02 AM (GMT 0)
I started on Asacol but switched to Colazal when a a generic became available. When I was first diagnosed I was taking the Asacol along with rectal Canasa suppositories. I'm now using the Colazal and the Rowasa enemas. Most folks on this forum will recommend 'treating both ends' i.e. using the oral meds along with a rectal suppository or enema to keep the symptoms under control. Good luck to you!
Posted 6/10/2010 1:41 AM (GMT 0)
Colazal was a big break-through when my gastroenterologist put me on it in 2003. It seems to work well for many UCers with left-sided inflammation, especially. I had problems tolerating the original formula for longer than 10 weeks; it caused my eyelids to puff up/itch and I also experienced some early AM bouts of dizziness from it. That formula has since been changed so I got rid of those side effects. The generic, which I tried in late 2008, did not keep me in remission so I had to discontinue it and return to brandname. Be sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day to help the med work its best. Depending on the extent of your inflammation, it could take 2-4 weeks to notice major improvement of  UC symptoms. / Old Hat (30 yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking brandname Colazal)
Posted 6/10/2010 1:53 AM (GMT 0)
I was on Colazal when I was first diagnosed. When I was diagnosed, my symptoms had almost completely gone away on their own, but she put me on Colazal for maintenance. Trouble is, she didn't explain much to me about the condition or importance of being on maintenance meds, so when symptoms went away completely (which didn't take too long-maybe a month or so?), i stopped taking the meds. Things were fine for a while, but eventually my symptoms came back, and when they did, the Colazal was no longer effective and ever since then I have had to take more and stronger medications. Initially, I had a pretty mild case, but now I am in the moderately severe category. So I would urge you to research the condition as much as you can (there is a WEALTH of info here as well as other places on the web) and stay on your meds, even when you are feeling better!

I'm sorry to hear we have yet another member afflicted with UC, but welcome to the forum, and I hope remission is at your doorstep!
Posted 6/10/2010 2:26 AM (GMT 0)
Don't mix it with water and squirt it up your rear. It burns.... I think it worked for me for a good while. Was using it back in 02'04. I eventually ended up stopping due to it making my symptoms worse.
Posted 6/10/2010 5:03 AM (GMT 0)
Great advice from Supa. I also used to go off my meds when in remission and it ended up spreading. Dont be like us! Listen to your doc!!
Posted 6/10/2010 5:45 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks all! One of my symptoms has also been alternating between diahrrea and constipation. I have noticed that since I have been on Colazal I have been constipated. Would it be fine to take something like metamucil or eat fiber to help?
Posted 6/10/2010 10:29 AM (GMT 0)
You can try fiber but do so with caution. Some Uc'ers have issues with fiber and some don't. Are you drinking enough water?
Posted 6/10/2010 4:06 PM (GMT 0)
I will try more water before going to fiber. I didn't think of that.
Posted 6/10/2010 7:07 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome here to the forums. You'll find a lot of useful information here as I did when mine became really bad starting in '07. I've learned a lot here and one member in particular helped my UC go into remission with one of her suggestions. Read all you can by using the search function with any question you might think of then if you can't find the right answer then don't hesitate to ask. We're all here for each other because everyone's been though one thing or another and we wont be squeamish about "awkward content". We've all been there and done that. smilewinkgrin
Posted 6/10/2010 7:20 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, welcome to the forum.

You also need to be on rectal meds...the Colazal won't treat the rectum.


When do you go back to the doctor?



q
Posted 6/10/2010 7:22 PM (GMT 0)
I go back in 2 weeks, June 23rd.
Posted 6/11/2010 3:16 AM (GMT 0)
I am living proof that Colazal alone can treat proctosigmoiditis-- because generic Rowasa made my last flare WORSE so gastro said to get off it! But YES to drinking more water!!! If you're rid of bloody mucus & feelings of urgency, you can also try to eat more soluble fiber, such as slow-cooked oatmeal & steamed veggies. For me steamed yams work wonders against C! / Old Hat (30 yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking brandname Colazal)
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