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is entocort dangerous like prednisone?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 7/2/2009 6:43 PM (GMT 0)
i am unclear as to whether entocort is dangerous like prednisone?  can it damage the body too with irreversible effects?
Posted 7/2/2009 6:47 PM (GMT 0)
I would think if you were on a higher dosage or for a very long extended period or if you are super sensitive, it could have side effects that aren't pleasant....but it is a lower dosage med and doesn't dissolve in the stomach and go through your body systemically in order to combat the inflammation, it's a topical med that's released into the ileum and colon.

It will, however, have some of the med pass through the colon wall and eventually into your bloodstream, but in a MUCH smaller amount that if you were on prednisone.


I wouldn't want to take pred, but I would consider entocort if necessary firstly.

I do hope you are using rectal meds as well....

Welcome to the forum if I haven't done so already,
quincy

Posted 7/2/2009 6:48 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, it can. It's a steroid just like prednisone, but is coated so that it doesn't dissolve until it hits the colon, so it shouldn't be systemic like prednisone is. However, that doesn't mean that it can't cause the same damage that pred can; he risk of having them is just lower. I seem to remember reading something about a fairly large percentage (maybe 15%??) of people still experience systemic absorption from entorcort, and therefore have similar side effects as they do on prednisone. But I could be just imagining that! One of the mods (Judilyn?? I can't remember--sorry if I've gotten it wrong!) has permanent damage in her shoulder from entocort. I'm sure she'll post on here.
Posted 7/2/2009 6:52 PM (GMT 0)
thanks for the info and the welcome quincy! yes i am taking rowasa enemas along with the dreaded pred.  i am a bit upset that my doc has never mentioned entocort.  he is full aware that i get tons of terrible side effects from pred, so i am surprised he's never considered entocort instead!  i am down to 20 mg pred from 40, and while my uc is under control, i feel a little "shaky" like if i lowered it now, symptoms would return.  i am going 3 x per day and have a little soreness.  so i am holding off my taper a little longer.  but i am worried about being on the pred.  and i do not want to go on imuran.  i wish there was something i could take that would get me over this bump.  i am currently taking lialda, rowasa, pred, vsl#3 and flax oil.  if anyone has any advice it would be appreciated!

Posted 7/2/2009 7:00 PM (GMT 0)
Are you at the maximum doseage of Lialda?

This might sound weird, but I kind of feel that eating avocado helped me kick the last little bit of my last (and first) flare.

It might help if you make a signature like quincy and I (and many others) have. You can do that by clicking on "Control Panel"at the top left of the page, then clicking on "Edit Profile." You can create your signature at the bottom of that page, and it will show up at the bottom of every post. It's helpful for others to know a bit about your history and what meds you're on or have used in the past when we're answering questions and stuff!
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