undigested lialda

lisa15601 · Post by **lisa15601** » Thu Feb 17, 2011 6:04 am

Just started taking lialda. When I had a Bm this morning I could tell the casing was still there and the pill was in the formed stool, mushy is this normal

TooManyHats · Post by **TooManyHats** » Thu Feb 17, 2011 8:13 am

The doctor told me to watch for that. If it continues to happen I was told to let her know. I started taking Lialda last night, too. My D is still so bad that there was no way for me to tell if the pill was there or not.

TooManyHats · Post by **TooManyHats** » Fri Feb 18, 2011 9:30 pm

I wanted to let you know that I've been taking the Lialda at dinner time (which is usually my larger meal) and tonight is the 1st night I'm feeling better (no gas and D). What time are you taking your medication? Is it at a time when you are having a somewhat substantial meal so that you stimulate enough gastric juices so that the tablet dissolves? I figured that dinner was the most consistent meal (time wise) in my house so that's why I picked it.

Post by **tex** » Fri Feb 18, 2011 11:52 pm

Actually, all of the 5-ASA medications, Entocort, etc., are encapsulated with an enteric coating that prevents the pill from activating until it is past the stomach. Stomach acid commonly runs in the pH range of from 1.5 to about 3.5, (which is quite acidic). As the chyme leaves the stomach, it is buffered by secretions from the pancreas, which raise the pH to approach the neutral level, (7.0). Many enteric coated medications are designed to begin the activation process after the pH reaches a level of about 6.5. IOW, it is not acid that activates the capsules, rather they are activated as the pH is increased by the addition of alkaline buffering.

Tex

TooManyHats · Post by **TooManyHats** » Sat Feb 19, 2011 12:05 am

Perhaps that's good news as to the fact that my pancreas MAY be working properly? I hope so. After a harrowing week of bathroom trips, this is the first evening I haven't spent in the bathroom. I suppose there is hope. I know that I am exhausted from all this and need a break.

lisa15601 · Post by **lisa15601** » Sat Feb 19, 2011 9:43 am

I do have a cyst on my pancreas which is just a cyst and is monitored my ct every year and my blood levels are fine. I had an ercp done which diagnosed it as just a cyst three years ago. Doc says it will not interfere with digestion ans I've probably had it forever.

hoosier1 · Post by **hoosier1** » Sat Feb 19, 2011 10:46 am

Lisa,

I can see pill casings in the toilet a times, but I know the medicine is getting out. It does take time to feel the effects from this drug.

Regards,

Rich