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Cortofoam? Any opinions?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 4/27/2013 1:19 AM (GMT 0)
This is my third day on cortofoam and I don't really see any difference.Wondering if it has worked for you and how long it takes to actually work. Waiting to see the GI on May 1st and I'm not on any other UC meds except Hyocosamine for the strong urges. I'm wondering if my GI is going to add an oral medication to address the whole body inflamation. If I can't take steroids (including Endocort) are their any other good options? I am miserable right now. smhair
Posted 4/27/2013 2:26 AM (GMT 0)
Where is your UC located? If its higher than rectal/sigmoid, the foam won't help with the inflammation higher up. Is there a reason why you're not taking oral meds at the moment such as Asacol, Lialda, Pentasa or Colazal?

If the inflammation is just rectal, it can take 2 weeks to a month before you notice an improvement, depending on how severe the inflammation is.
Posted 4/27/2013 10:11 PM (GMT 0)
Well I have tried both Asacol and Colozal also Prednisone and had absolutely no improvement. Until recently I was on Endocort and I was doing quite a bit better but after four months I developed a couple of secondary infections and gained over 40 lbs so I was taken off it. I just had a Colonoscopy with a new GI  and I am going to see my GI on Wednesday to see what she wants to do. They put me on the Cortofoam when i called to complain about my symptoms after the colonoscopy. So basicly I am in limbo. The cortofoam isn't helping much. Today I had problems all day while I was trying to shop. I am so sick of the constant leak from my rectom I want to scream! Nothing at all has worked for that except the Endocort but I am now 100 lbs over weight because of meds.Do you know if the infusions or shots have any steroids in them? I don't think I am going to be able to take any oral med with steroids in them.
Posted 4/28/2013 2:49 AM (GMT 0)
On how much pred have you been? Was it orally? I had to take 60 mg because even 40 mg didn't improve anything. I'd expect the bleeding to stop at that amount but I still bled on 60 mg. Uceris got rid of all of that. Are you able to try that?
Posted 4/28/2013 12:52 PM (GMT 0)
I am not sure how much Prednisone I was on but I have had serious life long problems taking Prednisone so it is not even an option anymore. If Uceris has any steroid in it I will not be able to take it. If it is antiinflammatory I may be able to take it. I was on balsalizide but it only helped when given aling with Budesonide which I cannot take anymore. I need something that will supress my immune system without a steroid. Is there any UC medications like that?
Posted 4/28/2013 1:06 PM (GMT 0)
I hope to never take pred again. Big decision to make. I chose Humira. Been on it almost a year. It's made a big difference . Never wanted to go on a biologic. Happy I did!
Posted 4/28/2013 4:25 PM (GMT 0)
Bess...is there a reason you cannot take any of the 5ASA meds? (mesalamine, etc)
q
Posted 4/28/2013 6:18 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Bess, you can try twice a day cortofoam. Use it once after your first bowel movement to help bleeding and other rectal symptoms. The second time, do it after you feel like your bowels have been emptied. I do this sometimes and it works better than just once. Sometimes the first application ends up coming out with stool.
Posted 4/28/2013 6:42 PM (GMT 0)
thanks for the tip. This is my first expeience with any of these types of meds. When I found out my diagnosis and I read about what type of meds I would be taking I hit rock bottom and got so discouraged about it all. I still hate any kind of rectal medication. I guess i'll get over it with time. I have just always been a very private person and I refused to even see a doctor for two years because I was so embarassed about it. Now the thought of giving myself enemas or suppositories every day of my life does not make me a happy camper but I guess I'm just being a big baby about it. I don't really have a choice so I am trying to get over it.
Posted 4/28/2013 11:43 PM (GMT 0)
The rectals don't have to be every day of your life. Generally we use them to get into remission and then use other systemic meds as maintenance. I will second Red's question: how far up is your UC? If it is restricted to the rectum and sigmoid colon, then rectals (enemas/foams/suppositories) will be your best friend. If it is higher, then rectals can still help, but the effects will be limited.

Give the cortifoam at least a week to start working, maybe two.
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