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how long for entocort to work?

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Posted 11/7/2011 2:26 PM (GMT 0)
just wondering if i should have seen some improvement by now. started about 2wks ago on 9mg in the morning. thinking i should call my doctor and start back on prednisone. while i know prednisone is not good for me in the long term, i also don't want to end up back in the hospital and prednisone usually works within a couple of days.

f.y.i this flare consists of bloody diarrhea about 3 - 5 times a day, i know this is not too bad but last time it progressed very quickly and by that point the oral pred. did not work and i needed IV steroids.

thanks for any info

Posted 11/7/2011 2:31 PM (GMT 0)
Entocort never did work for me, I'm sorry to tell you. Also, don't necessarily believe the story about how it isn't absorbed systemically and therefore doesn't cause as many side effects. I developed type II diabetes and avascular necrosis in my shoulder while taking it.

I'm particularly sensitive to steroids, apparently, and I was on Entocort for over two years, so my story isn't necessarily typical. Just a warning that this can happen.
Posted 11/7/2011 5:09 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks for the info. I don't think it is working for me. and I did believe the info about the side effects not being as bad, so thanks for letting me know that. I do have a call in to my GI, so I will see what he says, I am assuming he will put me back on prednisone which I know is not good but It has worked for me in the past and I need to start feeling better. I had to call out sick from work friday and today and I dont want to keep having to do this. but the mornings are so rough that i can't get out the door.

thanks again.

Posted 11/7/2011 5:24 PM (GMT 0)
Are you still on the Colazal?

Maybe discuss a switch to another 5ASA oral and rectal..both.

It would be nice if you don't have to go on pred again.

Are you going to be having a c-scope anytime soon?

q
Posted 11/7/2011 5:54 PM (GMT 0)
thanks for the reply, I am still on he colozal.

I had asked my current gi a while back about the rowasa but he said i prob. would not work because my colitis had spread. I now disagree with him. I am trying to get an appt. with a new gi at the boston medical center who is supposed to be more of an "expert" in Chrons and UC. I am hoping I can get in tomorrow, I am waiting for a call back from the secretary there.

as for the c-scope, no one has mentioned doing another one, I am suppose to have my regular f/u with my gi on 11/22 so not sure if he was going to want to do another one or if this new doc will suggest it.

thanks again

Posted 11/7/2011 10:51 PM (GMT 0)
Give Entocort a chance to work. It takes about a month to get into your system. It is not a fast acting drug.
Posted 11/8/2011 1:01 AM (GMT 0)
Entocort is primarily active in the terminal ileum. I don't know that it will be effective at all in the lower portions of the colon, and rowasa (or any mesalamine enema) is exactly what you need if you have inflammation in the rectum or sigmoid colon.

I'm sorry you're struggling so much. Prednisone is not a crutch you should lean on except for the rare emergency.
Posted 11/8/2011 1:56 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the replies. I am trying not to rely on prednisone because I know i is not good but I also know it works and when I am feeling like crap I just  want it to end as quickly as possible so I can go on living normally. I just get very impatient. I know I need to try to be more patient. It is also hard because my husband thinks that if I don't get on the prednisone fast enough I will end up back in the hospial, he thinks I waited to long that time to call my doctor. so now he is always on me about it.

Thanks again

Shawna

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