Asacol...What to do...

[Cross-stitch gal]

Hi.
I've been on asacol for at least 3 years. For awhile it seemed to work and pretty much kept me in remission. However, this year not so much. At one point I was on 9 pills of asacol, pred, aza and some enemas (which was a little too much drug for me with my being so small). The aza seemed to be doing alright on me, but my GI took me off it since my liver tests continued to be high and were scaring her. Now, I'm off the pred as well.

My last appt with my GI she told us that the asacol is no longer working. A week or two ago I reduced the stuff from 9 pills to 6 a day (on my own) and really can't tell much difference. The thing I don't understand is that if the asacol isn't working on me anymore, why am I still on it? Any ideas? The strange thing is that she never explained that one to me. :ybatty:

Also, can you tell me a little about the remicade shots? How expensive can they be and do they make you really sick from the side effects? My GI also mentioned the possibility of putting me on these. Thanks.:sign0085:
Lisa

 

[Terriernut]

Sorry Lisa that the Aza and the Asacol dont seem to be working. Do you have your blood test results? Has your CRP increased?

The reason they are keeping you on the Asacol is to try to keep the inflammation down in the colon as much as possible. I wouldnt drop it right now until they get you on something else. I thought mine wasnt working once upon a time. Til I couldnt get a refill prescription for it anymore. Then, surprise! It must have been doing something. Although it's a 'light' drug, it can help!

I dont know about how much Remicade costs there, sorry. I expect I'll be going on that soon myself. I sure hope they can get you sorted soon!
:hug:

 

[Cross-stitch gal]

No, I haven't been ordered any new blood tests lately. And, no I wouldn't completely go off a drug before being told to by my doctor. However, asacol is pretty expensive to supposedly not be working! Thanks for your reply though. It did help some

 

[rygon]

Dont quote me but ive been told penatasa/asacol/mezavant are great at keeping you in remission, but not good at putting you in remission. Ive never really noticed any difference being on it (although going on mezavant when I was in hosptial did help)

I defo wouldnt stop, but I think ou may need something else (maybe humira/remicade depending how bad you are). Is it possible to get a allergy test to make sure it isnt caused by any allergies?? (I havent yet but I think it may be causing some of my problems)

 

[Cross-stitch gal]

Checking allergies doesn't sound like a bad idea. I'm thinking that once things start calming down a bit from the holidays it'll be time to update my GI and see what ideas she might have.

Thanks again Misty & Rygon! You've definately given me some things to think about