Prednisolone Foam Enema - How Long?

I have a hopefully straightforward query.

How long is it safe to continue taking Prednisolone Foam Enema for?

I have been on 20mg a day for exactly 1 month now. Like my last flare it cleared me of symptoms within about a week.

Unlike last time however, if I stop using the Prednisolone, then within 24 hours I will see, an admittedly very small amount of blood. I have been led to believe that it is unsafe to continue using Prednisolone for more than a few weeks, but can't find a completely straight answer and am aware that there are people on here who have used oral corticosteroids for extended periods.

My GI doc seems to have an aversion to rectal meds in general. He is of the opinion that if the Asacol tablets don't maintain remission then its on to the immunosuppressants.

I have used mesalamine enemas with mixed results. The Asacol brand (which appears to no longer be available) caused diarrhea the following morning, but did reduce inflammation. The Pentasa brand didn't make a huge amount of difference but I only used it for 2 weeks, so more patience maybe required. This was all during my last flare.

I seem to be in the fortunate positon of having a number of meds on repeat prescription with my local GP, so I will request more mesalamine enemas, and wind down from the Prednisolone, and only use that when absolutely necessary. I should only ever need to contact the GI doc now if there is a severe worsening of symptoms. I don't mind him, but like you I find his stance on rectal meds puzzling. I don't have any problem using them if they're making a difference, and my experience so far with this disease is treating it at both ends is the best idea!

Thanks very much for the advice.