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In remission with Uceris

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 1/20/2015 9:32 PM (GMT 0)
So I have been on Uceris for about 7 months now. and I am considering myself in remission. formed stools, no blood, just a bit urgency. and 3-4 bms a day. the question is I can't be on Uceris for too long since it's a steroid. I was on Lialda before but I developed pancreatitis due to Lialda so I can't take it anymore. my doctor suggested imuran/aza/6mp but they have higher chances of developing Pancreatitis so i can't start those meds. the only option I have is Humira. my doc suggested me to start Humira but I was wondering why start Humira when I am not having any bleeding. and there aren't any other maintenance medication that I can be on. Any suggestions on any other meds or should I consider starting Humira. I also take VSL #3 DS 1 packet per day.
Posted 1/20/2015 9:37 PM (GMT 0)
I don't think that you can be considered in remission on a steroid and Uceris is a steroid. All steroids have short and long-term side-effects, so you can't stay on them forever.

Have you tried other 5ASAs other then Liada? How enema versions of the 5ASA?

There is also Remicade, Simponi and Entyvio.
Posted 1/20/2015 9:47 PM (GMT 0)
Long term steroid usage can cause irreversible side effects such as osteoporosis, glaucoma, and type ii diabetes. Uceris is not a maintenance medication, nor does the term remission apply to those currently on steroids.

Remicade, simponi, humira, and entvyio do not carry a risk of pancreatitis.

And all I can say is I'm glad the forum doesn't allow pictures to be posted. As some of us get darn proud of our progress toward remission...
Posted 1/20/2015 9:52 PM (GMT 0)
My GI doc thinks that i developed pancreatitis due to Mesalamine therefore i can't be on any other 5ASA. So should I start Humira as a maintenance med?
Posted 1/20/2015 9:58 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, you can.

I know Imuran, 6mp, and aza all carry a risk of pancreatitis, however, I am not sure if you got it from Meslamine that, you'd have the same level of risk. Let your gastroenterologist judge there.
Posted 1/20/2015 9:59 PM (GMT 0)
You need a maintenance drug and since everything else seems to be off the table, Humira is your best bet. There are other equivalent biologics (Remicade and Simponi) and different biologics (such as Entyvio). Any of these could work.

Also, Uceris is only meant to be taken for 8 weeks, so Id get myself on one of these drugs and off of Uceris ASAP.
Posted 1/23/2015 7:56 PM (GMT 0)
Just took my first 4 shots of Humira today..lets see how it goes.!! I will ask my gi doc i can stop taking Uceris now.
Posted 1/23/2015 8:13 PM (GMT 0)
Personally, I wouldn't just stop Uceris cold turkey, even though that is the accepted procedure. I would maybe take it every other day for a while and then maybe every third day for a while until the Humira has had a chance to kick in. Sometimes I really don't understand what the point of Uceris is, especially in your case, where you can't take maintenance meds. Steroids only work while you are on them and the only reason to take them is to get you into good enough shape that your maintenance meds will hopefully keep you there one the steroid is removed. Have you taken any probiotics, supplements, or done any diet changes? I personally wouldn't call it remission if you're going 3-4 times per day but that's my definition. Good luck with the Humira.
Posted 1/23/2015 8:33 PM (GMT 0)
Yea i am taking VSL#3 1 packet per day. I have also made some diet changes and started doing meditation so i think that is helping me too..
Posted 1/23/2015 8:53 PM (GMT 0)
Good luck with humira. I'd give humira a little while to build up to therapeutic levels in your body before quiting uceris. Say a month or so?
Posted 1/23/2015 9:25 PM (GMT 0)

iPoop said...
Good luck with humira. I'd give humira a little while to build up to therapeutic levels in your body before quiting uceris. Say a month or so?

Sure that sounds good. I'll let my doctor know. Thanx for the feedback guys
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