Stomach problems occurring with UC

Hello. I am on Lialda 2.4 g daily for UC, pancolitis diagnosed one year ago, in fairly good remission. I notice that quite a few people on the forum are on anti-ulcer medications such as Zantac. Since being diagnosed with UC, I have had several bouts of severe stomach burning/upset, and recently had an EGD that was okay, except the GI doctor told me the biopsies of the esophagus showed irritation from gastric reflux. I do not have typical heartburn symptoms, and am questioning this. It seems to be more of gastritis that flares up periodically, and I have questioned the doctor as to whether this could be a side effect of the Lialda. Seems like a big coincidence to me on the timing of starting with stomach troubles. So I guess my question is: how many of you with UC, even in remission, have general stomach issues and, of so, were any of you told it was from the medication? I know these medications are supposed to work topically, but they are similar to NSAIDs, and some is absorbed into your system. Theoretically, it would seem to me that it could cause stomach issues - even the literature you get with your Rx says this. Thanks for any insight.

Many UC'rs have stomach issues. These may or may not be caused by certain UC meds. I doubt that Lialda is the cause of any of yours. Lialda is designed to release in the colon, not the stomach, so it is unlikely to be responsible unless it is releasing prematurely in the stomach. Have you taken any other UC meds such as prednisone? One note of caution, antacid type meds (OTC or prescription) can increase the risk for C-Diff. The better the med the higher the chances of getting C-Diff. Are you taking any probiotics?

I've suspected this, too. Never had any problems with my stomach, until last year... I had an ulcer in my stomach with pain so bad that it made me pass out. Endo confirmed. I have been battling stomach ulcer symptoms on and off ever since then. I've never used NSAIDs during that time period, and when I read what put you at risk for peptic ulcers, I didn't do/have any of those things.