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Canasa and cortifoam

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 2/3/2010 6:08 PM (GMT 0)
I'm just coming out of a flare with stubborn bleeding and irritation in the rectum. about 10 days ago, I started using Canasa suppositories twice a day and the bleeding is almost 100% gone (I've had a couple of days with none, but tiny flecks a couple of times in the last few days).

Because Canasa is SOOOO freaking expensive through my insurance, I order it from Canada but it takes almost 2 weeks to get to me. I don't think my next refill will get here before I run out of my current supply (in 4 days).

I also have some Cortifoam that I have not ever used that I was planning to try if the Canasa didn't work.

My question is: should I start using the Cortifoam now in place of one of my Canasa dosages (i.e., a Canasa in the a.m. after my BM and Cortifoam before bed), or use up my Canasa and then switch over to Cortifoam?

I've never used any steroid meds at all. I definitely don't want to stop the meds yet because, although the bleeding has basically stopped, I can still feel the inflammation and irritation. One day I only used Canasa once and the bleeding increased the next day, so I know I'm barely staying on top of it.

Any advice?

Kathy

Posted 2/3/2010 7:21 PM (GMT 0)
If I were in your position I would do a canasa in the morning and the cortifoam in the evening - then hopefully you won't suffer for being completely without the canasa.

Maybe the combo will take care of the rest of the inflammation. I've been doing a cortenema at night and a rowasa 3 times a week in mornings, and that along with my trusty VSL have taken quick action on this flare....

Best of luck to you, and I hope your new supply from Canada comes quickly!
Posted 2/3/2010 8:02 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, I'd do the same of cortifoam at night and the canasa during the day.

That'll buy you more time.

The other thing you could do if you don't have enough is do a cortifoam nightly and a canasa every second day.

Definitely do probiotics and fibre supplements.

Are you not on an oral 5ASA med at this time?


q
Posted 2/3/2010 9:46 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks quincy and songlady. I'm going to start the Cortifoam tonight and see how it does until my next Canasa shipment arrives.

Yes, I am on sulfasalazine now - not that I think it's helping at all since the inflammation is so near the end of the rectum ... but I think of it as insurance. I also follow the SCD diet strictly - although eating easier-to-digest food vs. harder-to-digest doesn't seem to have an effect on this particular flare, unfortunately. At least the rectal meds are making a difference!
Posted 2/3/2010 11:49 PM (GMT 0)
Well, a lot of worry about nothing. My Canasa Rx from Canada arrived today - one of the fastest transit times I've had yet!

Thanks for the advice in any event. This forum is great!
Posted 2/4/2010 12:25 AM (GMT 0)
Way to go! That's really great news! Try to keep ahead of your refills & avoid antibiotics whenever possible. It sounds like you have a good chance to get back to remission soon. / Old Hat (30 yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking brandname Colazal)
Posted 2/4/2010 5:33 AM (GMT 0)
If you haven't already, use 5asa rectal med instead of the cortifoam, it's not only cheaper but according to some recent studies it works better and no worries about skin thinning.
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