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Cortifoam newbie - help

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 4/29/2013 7:15 PM (GMT 0)
I need help with the cortifoam enema. I know how to fill it up, but I keep on getting conflicting information from my GI and pharmacist on how to administer it, and how to lay down.

Do you lay on your left side, insert the foam then roll slowly to the right so the foam can spread further into the colon, or just stay on my left side? Does it cause urgency, or wanting to go the bathroom?

I'm only having a few days of irregular stools here and there - from a little loose to soft or almost small and ribbony. No mucus or blood. Been having a lot of stress. And I'm trying to prevent a flare, or at least a bad one I can't get out of.

What can I expect from Cortifoam? Does it work within a week? I only have two weeks worth, so do I need to taper? And when? Will I experience side effects?

Thanks.
Posted 4/29/2013 7:25 PM (GMT 0)
No need to lay on your left side or right side or anything with the foam. It will pretty much go wherever you insert it and stay there for as long as you can go without having a BM -- and it is MUCH easier to retain than Rowasa, you will probably be able to go about your normal day right after insertion.

When I used them I would fill the applicator according to the instructions; rub a small amount of KY Jelly on the tip and around the length of the applicator; insert while standing in my bathroom; remove, wash out the applicator, and use a little TP to clean up any excess lube etc.

I found Cortifoam to be really helpful with rectal inflammation. My pancolitis was flaring really bad so I never got formed stools or anything, but my urgency cut down a lot because the Cortifoam treated the rectum so well.

You don't need to taper the Cortifoam like oral steroids because it won't suppress your adrenals, but you probably do want to taper it a little bit just to keep the inflammation at bay. Two weeks doesn't sound like enough to me, I would ask your GI for a refill on the rx.

Good luck!
Posted 4/29/2013 7:29 PM (GMT 0)
I've been using cortifoam on and off for a couple of years. Pluot gave you great info on how to adminster. I insert the foam while sitting on the toliet. Then rinse everything well w/ warm water.
Posted 4/29/2013 7:31 PM (GMT 0)
Alrighty. Would a month's worth be sufficient enough to treat rectal inflammation? I know it's been mild, and I was doing fine for a while until the stress came. So I want to nip it in the bud asap.

I know that being on this for two weeks won't cause side effect like the oral does, but will being on the foam longer cause side effects, or not really? Just curious on that.

Thank you Pluot.



p.s. How have you been doing?
Posted 4/29/2013 7:37 PM (GMT 0)
Ehhhhhhhhh, technically speaking long term use of steroid foam will cause some thinning of the tissues where you apply it (the rectum in this case), but we're talking about years of use, not a month or two. It's also less likely that you would notice a side effect like that, just if you ever needed surgery or if you were being scoped you would want the doctor to know that you were a longterm user of topical steroids. But again, we're talking years, I'm sure you will not reach that point!

Start with a month's worth, see where you are symptom wise after the first couple of weeks. I would probably want to do every day for two weeks, then if you feel you're doing better try to cut back to alternating days, then every third day, etc etc. But no need to start cutting back until you're back to feeling GREAT.

ps - I'm wonderful, thanks for asking! I have step 2 of 3 on Wednesday so I'm trying to enjoy loads of good food and see all my friends today before I have liquid diet tomorrow. Bummed to go back to hobbling around and taking it easy after all the fun I've had without my colon this year but keeping my eye on the prize :)
Posted 4/29/2013 7:40 PM (GMT 0)
Cortifoam is only 10% steroid-- so you can use it w/o side effects for a few months at least. pb4 uses it longterm & has reported safe results here on the forum. Also, as Pluot says, you can insert it standing up & move about once it's in the body-- because it doesn't squish around inside like the liquid enemas. Good luck; hope it helps you soon! / Old Hat (32 yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking brandname Colazal)
Posted 4/29/2013 8:28 PM (GMT 0)
Sweet! (Had to say that) I dread enema's. Awful fleet ones, but I'm so glad this isn't like it. And I've had issues with steroids, oral, before when I was really sick years ago, not UC related. Just wanted to make sure.

Thank you all for the great advice. Hope it works. :-)


Pluot, I wish all the best. I hope you heal quick and don't have a lot of issues with the second surgery. Truly deserve a break. Maybe you can get back to weight lifting after all of this is through. Thanks again!
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