Do I have to try an oral med?

Hi All

I have been using Rowasa/generic enemas nightly (thanks to you all) for approx 4 weeks along with Canasa in the AM. I was also taking Lialda again (had not tolerated last fall) but discontinued it again due to severe bloating and cramping. There was a noticeable positive difference after stopping the Lialda. Although twice daily rectal meds are a pain, they have really done a great job with my proctitis and I plan to continue this regimen for awhile.

Question is.. Do I have to trial another oral mesalamine for future maintenance? Can I manage this proctitis with Rowasa and Canasa in the future? DX: mild proctitis 5cm-20cm which was managed with only Canasa until things got worse last fall. Is there proof that the oral meds prevent spreading? If so which one would you recommend trying?


I am going to discuss with my doctor as well but I got weird side effects from Lialda and am reluctant to try another med.

For proctitis, the gold standard seems to be rectal meds and they are more effective than oral meds alone.

If oral meds are making you miserable, then you should stick to rectal meds as long as they are keeping you in remission. Don't force yourself to take lialda if it's making you worse.

There are many 5-ASA oral meds on the market though that you can try.

For UP, only rectal meds should be fine. Oral meds are a good precaution but not essential.