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Tex said ---I started the Entocort yesterday and didn't have to go
for 10 hours. I almost scared that this medicine will cause me to get
constipated again... I know it's better than going all the time, but the
grugling, rumbling, and pain is still going on. I don't know if I should
take only 2 pills to start off with... Any suggestions?
Most people with MC require the full 9 mg daily dose for Entocort EC for 6 months to a year, before they are able to successfully taper the dose down, and eventually control their MC symptoms by diet alone. However, a few people find it to be so effective, that they can get by with a smaller dose, (and, in fact, a higher dose may cause bothersome symptoms, such as dizziness, balance issues, blurred vision, etc. ………
Tanya said ---
I only took one Entocort this am and by 11 am I was in the bathroom crying. So, I took another pill and it seemed to help the D. I will start with taking 2 a day and with going GF/DF, hopefully in a few weeks I notice some relief.
Hi Tanya,
You've had quite an experience!!
Regarding your question on Entocort...
UNLESS the physician who prescribed the Entocort, -- or the Pharmacist who filled the prescription -- told you otherwise -- You should be taking the full 9mg dose of Entocort all at one time, and AT THE EXACT SAME TIME EVERY DAY. If you are experiencing what you think are untoward effects of the drug, it would be wise to talk to the prescribing Physician as well as the Pharmacist about that. If a medication is meant to be taken in some kind of a divided dose schedule, the instructions should have clearly defined that.
Entocort is not just a little “I’ll take it whenever I feel like it drug.” Technically it is a steroid. When steroids are given they are NOT titrated to some immediate effect. They are most generally given at a calculated level, and then dose adjusted downward by gradual tapering. This is because of the potential for a degree of adrenal dependence being developed when taking steroid meds. Entocort is a bit different than these other more powerful steroids in this regard ---it does not require tapering, although many do advise this with Entocort, but for different reasons.
Entocort is encapsulated, or built ‘so to speak’, in a way so that it is not activated in the upper part of the GI tract. Rather it needs to travel down to the lower 1/3 of the small intestine, which is known as the Ileum, before it becomes activated.
Thus the highly structured nature of the Entocort Capsule makes it desirable to get this drug down to the Target area, which is Ileum and Colon, quickly - and with the least amount of impediment possible. Therefore, it is best to take your Entocort immediately upon arising in the morning with a small glass of water. You can then follow with your morning coffee and the newspaper. Wait a little while before having some breakfast. This way the drug will be allowed a head-start directly down the tube with no food to obstruct it’s path.
Entocort is a very EXPENSIVE drug by anyone’s standards – so IF you are going to use it, you will want to use it for its OPTIMAL effect.
Be patient!! 1.) Microscopic colitis is not controlled in a day. 2.) Be sure you are staying well hydrated. And 3. do get adequate exercise. 4.) Take NO NSAIDS.
In the meantime, be sure you are eating carefully. Many adults have become lactose intolerant so avoiding milk and Ice cream will help some with bloating, if that is a culprit. And for heavens sakes, don’t try to challenge things by reintroducing foods that you may already know have given you a problem in the past.
It is not uncommon for a degree of C to return while on Entocort after the inflammation is calmed down. But that is not an immediate effect. Should this happen, you need to discuss this with your Physician to find out which products will be most desirable to use. The Senna based laxatives you were in the habit of using would NOT be good.
Best of Luck,
Gayle
