Mesalamines and kidney function

Do any of you who take mesalamines get their kidney function tested regularly.

Yes, I have creatinine tested regularly.

Regarding the 5ASA meds...yes, it's a constant up and down rectally, but the oral meds stay the same as low as possible.

There are many here on 6MP and are NOT in permanent remission...and they too use the 5ASA and whatever enemas as well. But not all meds work for everyone, it's a trial and error.

Try whatever, and if nothing works, have your colon removed. UC is lifelong, for most...so are the meds.

Hope you find the answer.

So far, I don't have any mesalamine side effects that I'm aware of. I do have UC-related liver disease...separate issues, but I believe keeping my UC under control for as long as possible is the answer to help keep the PSC from becoming active.

I'm getting older...the 5ASA meds might not hold me forever...but for 21 years it's so far been very helpful. Interestingly, it's been what I can depend on, and use them faithfully (with grumbles out of habit). Sucks that life and other crap always gets in the way, however.

quincy

Have you for sure not been tested for it? I'll have to check what other kidney function testing should be done as well...maybe you don't recognise it?

Your doctor didn't want you to be on enemas....wouldn't be helpful....your other doctor wants you to be on pred forever...what can I say about why he doesn't tell you about the creatinine...lol.

Being proactive sucks, doesn't it?
q

They seem to be since flares will start rectally, and the best part is most doctors end up giving us the responsibility to administer on own discretion. As well, if they are working, improving,etc...one is less distressed.

The side effects of 5ASA (either oral or rectal because they're both considered topical, not systemic where they're dissolved in the stomach before heading into the bloodstream after liver) are basically what's absorbed through the colon into the blood circulating system where they'll go through the organs on a second pass.

If one's kidneys cannot tolerate salicylates or specifically 5ASA....then they can shut down, A few here, now or in the past, cannot ever take 5ASA or probably salicylates.


Why am I not surprised about what your doc said....you should feel guilty for using something that works just because it's better for everyone else's pocket-book.

q

Heidi...why did your brother need a kidney transplant??

What exactly ws the reason they passed on your offer?

Happy to hear he's doing well after the transplant.

q

yikes....so you're not on Lialda at this point than.

Hope all stays well.
q

What is my next step. My GI says I don't need to test kidney function.

I'm going to ask a nephrologist friend.

quincy said...
yikes....so you're not on Lialda at this point than.

Hope all stays well.
q

Been off of Lialda for 5 months now and only one tiny flare, so who knows, maybe it wasn't helping me anyway.  Less pills to take everyday at least!  Hopefully when I test the kidneys in September they will be back to normal. 

Also, back to the original post, be persistent.  My GI, whom I really like, found my results suspicious.  My creatinine was barely within the normal range, but given my body size, the results caused her concern.   She told me to talk to my Primary doctor, who could take more tests or refer me to a specialist.  My original Primary doctor just ran the same test again and brushed me off as "fine".  I couldn't find a new primary doctor with decent reviews, so I took a chance and got into a good practice by seeing one of their residency students.  I figured she would have to review my case with her "boss" who has a great reputation but not taking new patients.  And although my resident doctor may not be experienced, she was very dilligent in wanting to do a good job.  Long story short, she ran the proper tests and confirmed my kidney function was abnormal. 

Heidi....I've never heard of HSP. How heartbreaking your brother has it.
Makes sense regarding having UC and not being able to donate organs.

Thanks for answering all my questions.

How old was your brother when he was diagnosed? and how old is he now?

q

I called my PCP and he ordered a creatinine test for my kidneys. We bypassed the GI.

Yes, my gastro, who subspecializes in IBD treatment, orders kidney tests/urinalysis twice a yr. Better to be safe than to have your kidneys start leaking protein, as happened to Beth75. / Old Hat (30 yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking brandname Colazal)