Oh, what have I done?

katinchatt · Post by **katinchatt** » Wed Oct 29, 2008 2:17 pm

OK,

Earlier today I received some great advise from Polly & Tex about Entorcort. I'm asking for a new improved treatment plan from my Doc. So, I was thinking that instead of seeing my Dr. next Thursday I'd just call in and ask for it, no need to bother the Doc, right?
*****
In the mean time I'm reading and laughing my AO at a past thread - please take the time to go there if you haven't : http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=8699
My Sis was here, so I was reading it out-loud and we cried for 10 minutes - for real! Again, a must read.

...with me so far? Now, I got my act together just long enough to call my GI's office and DEMANDED Entorcort.

Of course I'm leaving a message, everyone is obviously busy, bla, bla, bla. I say who I am, Birth Day, pharmacy phone number and all that. State clearly that the Pepto isn't working, that I do have an appt. with the Dr. next week, however I just need to have a script called in, gave the name of the drug "Entorcort" of course. Thanked her very much and hung up the phone.

I looked at my sis and eyes were huge, I thought she was having a stroke or a the very least a seizure! When she spoke she told me that I had asked for "Intercourse". So, my dilemma is, should I call her back, find a new GI or just wait for the white truck to arrive and pick me up. Maybe I'll just move to another town, yeah that's what I'll do.

Wonder how many of those fit in a bottle?
Kat

Polly · Post by **Polly** » Wed Oct 29, 2008 2:35 pm

Oh Kat, how funny!

Here's an idea........why don't you call back and leave a second message? Give the same identifying info, and then state that the generic name of the drug you want is "budesomide", just in case there was any confusion about your first request.

Love,

Polly

JLH · Post by **JLH** » Wed Oct 29, 2008 2:56 pm

ROTFLMAO

Post by **tex** » Wed Oct 29, 2008 3:50 pm

I think Polly's suggestion is probably a good one, and a lot easier than moving.

Tex

katinchatt · Post by **katinchatt** » Wed Oct 29, 2008 4:20 pm

Whewwwww,

Needless to say she called me back to "confirm" what I had asked for.

(I could feel my face flush with total embarrassment)

She was kinda laughing then clearly said, "Entorcort" right? "yes" is all I could say. OK, Entorcort it is, and then went on to say to take 3 a day - all at one time and that she would call in a 2 month supply. I thanked her VERY MUCH and hung up.
5 minutes later my Pharmacist called, again to confirm the med? (Wonder if they know each other) anyway, he said he would have to order it, as he doesn't have anyone else taking it right now, and that it will be in tomorrow. Also stated that I'm lucky I have good Med Insurance as it's VERY EXPENSIVE.

But I got what I asked for anyway, well, in so many words that is! Sure beats moving

Kat

, , , can't show my face just yet.

Post by **tex** » Wed Oct 29, 2008 5:59 pm

All's well that ends well.

Tex

P S It's very expensive in this country, but it's dirt cheap in Canada.

katinchatt · Post by **katinchatt** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 10:34 am

Morning,

Ok, I'm really excited about beginning Entocort today. But have a few questions regarding the elimination of the 3 meds I'm on now. Pepto/Librax/Lomotil....Should I just wean myself off the next few weeks? I've started getting a pretty nasty rash on my neck/chest, so if one of them is causing this, I’d like to start with that one, any suggestions?

Also, I am curious if there are any immediate (unpleasant) side effects from Entocort? The reason I am asking is because I am taking an overnight trip this weekend and just want to be prepared.

Thanks for your help,
Kat

barbaranoela · Post by **barbaranoela** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 11:35 am

Kat------as I have posted before---ENTOCORT tiggered me with NEURO issues-----unbalanced walking and slurred speech~~~---and that was just 2 days of being on it---BUT this was ME!!!!!!

Like we always so----what works for one might not work for the other---

Have fun---
Barbara

katinchatt · Post by **katinchatt** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 11:54 am

Thanks Barbara!

Yes, us girls just wanna have fun!

If I start reading every unwanted side-effect, I'm really not doing myself any favors. I just want the med to do what it's supposed to do and take it from there. Though I want to be prepared because of my trip. Going to the mountains, so there's not to many bathrooms along the way, though lot's of trails. (Reminds me, I need to re-educate myself on what the poison leaves look like ;) but will take plenty of the modern, on-a-roll kind with me, just in case.

Thanks,
Kat

JLH · Post by **JLH** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 12:21 pm

http://www.poison-ivy.org/

Leflets three, let it be.

katinchatt · Post by **katinchatt** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 12:51 pm

JLH wrote:
Leflets three, let it be.

I haven't heard or thought of that in YEARS! Thanks for the link ~ would be the LAST thing I need now is a good case it the PI itch! I think I'll just stick to staying on the trails, and pray I don't need to step off to the side.
The Smokies got a nice little snow over the weekend, but the underbrush probably wasn't effected to much, so I'll be on the lookout for those leaflets of 3, 4 sure.

Thanks again,

Kat

Post by **tex** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 12:56 pm

Hi Kat,

A rash is an allergic reaction, so it could be caused by any of them. I would guess that the least likely suspect, (as far as the rash is concerned), would be the Immodium, based simply on the fact that no one here has ever reported any problems of any type due to Immodium, as best I can recall.

Aside from the rash issue, consider that the enteric coating on Entocort dissolves at a pH greater than 5.5. Once that coating dissolves, the budesonide inside will become activated. Normally, this does not begin to happen to any significant degree, until the drug reaches the ilium, (the lower third of the small intestine), and/or the colon. That is why only about 10% of budesonide is normally absorbed into the bloodstream, (where it can cause systemic effects).

IOW, as the chime leaves the stomach, (with a very low pH, usually in the 2 to 4 range), it mixes with a buffering compound produced by the pancreas, so that the pH of the chime is increased to a pH level above 5.5, (typically around 7), as it proceeds down the line. By the time the Entocort EC reaches the ilium, the enteric coating has decomposed enough that the budesonide begins to be released, so that it can be utilized by the ilium and the colon.

Here's where the guesswork enters into this issue, because there are a lot of "ifs", "ands", or "buts" involved: Pepto-Bismol is a powerful antacid. If a sufficient amount of Pepto is available in the stomach, it is conceivable that the pH of the chime could be boosted enough to allow the enteric coating of the Entocort EC to begin breaking down prematurely, which would have the effect of allowing much more of it to be absorbed into the bloodstream, and thereby create a potential for side effects similar those of Prednisone.

Here is a report of a simple Science Fair Project, that illustrates how this could be possible:

http://www.usc.edu/CSSF/History/2003/Projects/J1403.pdf

Several members have reported serious neurological effects from Entocort, (IOW they are allergic to it), so there is certainly a small risk of a reaction, (the risk is less than 5%, according to pre-release trials). If that should happen to you, though, it should be obvious within a day or so of starting the medication, and if it does happen, simply stop taking it, and the symptoms should mostly resolve within a day or two. Since the weekend is less than two days away, if you did have an adverse reaction to it, it would probably be apparent by then, but you might not have sufficient time for the drug to leave your body, before then.

Stopping the Pepto might possibly make the D worse, but I believe that if I were in your shoes, I would stop it immediately. If you don't notice any neurological affects from the Entocort by tomorrow afternoon, then you will probably have it made. Sorry I can't be more specific, but meds have different effects on each of us.

Tex

Courtney · Post by **Courtney** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 1:52 pm

Hi Kat,

I didn't have any side effects from the Entocort...but it didn't work, either, so there's a trade-off.

Courtney

katinchatt · Post by **katinchatt** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 3:22 pm

Oh, Thank you Tex!

OK, let me ask you this? Since being on the Pepto, and not eating much, I haven't had the need to take Aciphex. I'm afraid if I am off of "all antacids" for more than a few days, my reflux may get out-of-control. Do you think the Aciphex may have the same effect on the Entocort, as you mentioned the Pepto would? Also, as far as the rash, you mentioned Immodium, is that the same as Lomotil/which I am taking? I was told I could actually double the dose if needed (Lomotil), maybe that would help compensate for not taking the Pepto, as far as D goes that is.

Just now, late this afternoon, I received my Entocort. My Pharmacist said I really need to wait until the morning to take it. We are leaving early Sat., which will only be 24 hours on it, but honestly I'm just gonna go with it, and have a GREAT TIME! I think anywhere but here, stuck, will be delightful. I'll keep my fingers crossed and take every precaution I know, but really, really need to get out of Dodge. The fresh air and the gorgeous fall colors are calling............

A thought, what if I took 2 tomorrow, 2 Saturday and then 3 Sunday? Or 1 tonight, 2 tomorrow & 3 Sat? Just thinking...........?

Thanks again for your help ~ I feel like this is definitely a step in the right direction, and I'm looking forward to finding my way back to having a somewhat "normal" life.

You have helped me tremendously,
Kat - PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR MORE ON ACIPHEX

katinchatt · Post by **katinchatt** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 3:33 pm

PDF on Aciphex - maybe if I took it later in the day I would be OK, instead of "with or near" the Entocort? I only take 1 - 20 mg. per day

http://www.fda.gov/cder/foi/label/1999/20973lbl.pdf

I do know I went through HELL before I was diagnosed with GERD, esophageal ulcers, the works, can't go back there either.

kat

MICROSCOPIC COLITIS SUPPORT

Oh, what have I done?

Oh, what have I done?

OMG