Entocort

Lesley · Post by **Lesley** » Thu Dec 08, 2011 11:52 pm

3rd day, 6mgs. I just started to blow up, and have a HORRIBLE headache. Why did I have to react? I just want to feel better.

Post by **tex** » Fri Dec 09, 2011 8:09 am

In case you're reacting to the Entocort, you might look for other symptoms, such as balance issues, vertigo, blurred vision or tunnel vision, etc.

Most people take it first thing in the morning. There's a reason for doing that, which I don't recall at the moment, but the timing is certainly not critical.

Tex

Lesley · Post by **Lesley** » Fri Dec 09, 2011 10:04 am

Both pills together? I was taking one in the morning and one in the evening.
I always have poor balance. But I have felt some vertigo, and a horrible headache.

I am still inflamed. Nothing is changing except that the C is worse. I did eat a couple of things that weren't supposed to be allowed to stop the C, but I only had one BM yesterday, and am gurgling.

I suddenly, more or less overnight, put on a couple of pounds. That's what happened with the prednisone. I also had trouble sleeping.

Post by **tex** » Fri Dec 09, 2011 10:39 am

I don't believe it's essential that the full dose be taken at once, but corticosteroids seem to be more effective that way. Here's what the manufacturer says:

Acute Treatment
The usual dose for treatment of acute symptoms is 9 mg per day, for up to 8 weeks. The dose can be given once daily as three 3 mg capsules in the morning.

Long Term Treatment
The usual starting dose for long-term treatment is 6 mg per day. Take two 3 mg capsules in the morning, before breakfast. Your doctor may want to change the dose, depending on the activity of your disease.

http://www.astrazeneca.ca/documents/Pro ... CIL_en.pdf

Hmmmmmmm. Those new symptoms don't sound very promising for the Entocort.

Tex

Lesley · Post by **Lesley** » Fri Dec 09, 2011 10:59 am

Except that they seem to be reducing inflammation in other parts of my body, so the other pain is better. Maybe this is the way to get off Norco?

Post by **tex** » Fri Dec 09, 2011 11:56 am

Well, yes, prednisone is often prescribed for back inflammation, so Entocort might help, but remember that according to research, no more than 19% of the budesonide is absorbed into the bloodstream, the rest stays in the ileum and colon, so the systemic effect will be rather weak with Entocort. I suppose it's worth a try, though.

Tex

Lesley · Post by **Lesley** » Fri Dec 09, 2011 12:46 pm

I can feel it's helping. Even 19% om the strongest NSAID there is seems to be making a difference. If it gets me off Norco and doesn't cause me to blow up and not sleep I can stand it.

But a 2 lb weight gain overnight and roaring C is not acceptable. I hate meds. The side effects are often almost worse than the illness itself.

hazel · Post by **hazel** » Fri Dec 09, 2011 1:07 pm

When I took entocort I took 9 mg and took them in the morning. Worst side effect I had was tendency to get muscle cramps. Also bruised easily. Worth it, however. Give it a chance.

Martha · Post by **Martha** » Fri Dec 09, 2011 1:59 pm

I took my entire 9 mg. in the morning too.

harma · Post by **harma** » Fri Dec 09, 2011 3:04 pm

I still take my 3mg dose in the morning, also I experience site-effect with a higher dose than 3 mg a day.

brandy · Post by **brandy** » Fri Dec 09, 2011 3:45 pm

Hi Lesley,

I had zero weight gain. Also drug was very effective but I did experience side effects I just "stuck it out" because I had suffered so much previously.

brandy · Post by **brandy** » Fri Dec 09, 2011 3:47 pm

Hi Lesley,

At 9 and 6 mg the side effects for me were pretty severe. At 3 mg the drug was bearable. That being said it is truly effective and a miracle drug.

Robin · Post by **Robin** » Fri Dec 09, 2011 5:56 pm

Hi Lesley,

I am 9mg of Entocort for about a month. I take it before I eat my breakfast in the morning now. When I fisrt started I took them when ever I remembered! That was not good. I had very bad headaches, muscle ache, gained weight, bruised very easy and still had the D from time to time.. I thought it was the combination of Asacol and Entocort because most people are on one or the other, not both. My GI told me to take them everyday before breakfast. Everything went away when I started to do it the right way except the weight gain. I don't care right now how much weight I gain as long as I can have a life without D! I do still have a loose stool but not the way it use to be and not everyday. Sometimes a day will go by and I haven't gone, but thats rare and I have never ever in my whole life missed a day without going! I also don't have the urgency anymore Yippie!!! I am hoping after the new year I can come off both of them and just rely on the food I eat. I feel sometimes they make have a false sense of security.

So Lesley from one Entocort user to another....take them in the morning before you eat! Hang in there because it does work.

Robin

Sheila · Post by **Sheila** » Fri Dec 09, 2011 7:39 pm

I started with 9 mg of entocort and had severe C. Within a few days I cut it back to 6 mg a day and then to 3 mg and the C stopped immediately. No D at all. I have no side effects other than some weight gain that I attribute more to GF brownies and coconut milk ice cream than to entocort. Before entocort life was just plain miserable. I have a spinal fusion and a lot of back issues. I don't think the entocort has helped that problem at all. Give it some time to work.
Sheila