Crohns Meds and OTC Cold Medicine

[Kev]

OK, could use some help here. Came down with a cold. Maybe the flu. Hitting me really hard and really fast.. Never seen/felt anything like it.. Having problems with losing my breath.. Anyway, I'm currently taking 4 g of Salofalk (similar to Pentasa, Asocol, 5 ASA, etc.) and 35 mg of prednisone (think its called prednisolone in UK)

I have some over the counter (OTC, non prescription cold medicine) that I haven't taken (at least not yet).. Game plan is to suffer thru this tonite (or at least try) so I can pop over to my local pharmicist tomorrow to check on any drug interactions before popping some cold remedy. However, tho the spirit is willing, the flesh is really weak, and this darned cold (or whatever) is pounding me like nothin before.

Anyone here ever used standard cold meds while taking Pred & 5 ASA together?
Any feedback, advice or opinions would be most welcome. Could be a life saver..

thanks

:ybatty:

 

[TammySue62]

Hi Kev
Yah Ive tried tylnol and benyadrl to keep the fever down and you probably noticed that you have alot more aches and pain that should help.If your stuffed up or your nose is running alot i buy neo-citrin.They are about 4 or 5 different types it depends what your symptons are.And alot of Vit. C
Or ask GNC MAN he knows alot.
Later

 

[ruthymg]

Yeah I too have used cold remedies whilst on those meds. I usually take paracetamol based drugs or codeine based.


Ruth

 

[Nancy Lee]

Hi Kev,
I've taken OTC cold meds and Tylenol, while on Asacol and Prednisone.
I don't take anything with codeine as it acts on my Crohn's.
Hope you feel better soon. :smile:

 

[ruthymg]

Hi Nancy, isn't it funny how different meds work for some but not for others, I have always taken codeine as it great at helping with slowing down D as well as being a good pain killer. Aspirin on the other hand kills my stomach and I also tend to stay away from ibuprofen.


Ruth

 

[lizziecee]

OTC meds

I would really beware of taking OTC meds when on steroids or immuno-suppressants. I have had Crohn's for 35 years and never had a rectal haemmorhage until I went to stay with friends in Tampa, some 10 yrs ago.
I thought I had flu, as my host had it - terrible aches and pains, my hostess strongly advised me to take huge doses of Tylenol. Got up next morning and filled the lavatory pan with blood. Went back to bed, slept for 6 hours, went to the loo again and filled it again with blood. She took me to the nearest hospital after putting old towels on the back seat of her Cadillac. Nightmare in the ER - I checked in to triage, and spent the next 2 hours on their loo, haemorraging. My friend, bless her, went to the receptionist and asked for her name - then she told her if I died she would hold her personally responsible. I was seen within 5 minutes, blood pressure 80 over 40, and last thing I remember is the Er doctor saying "we are losing her". Turned out I had some burst ulcers and crypt abscesses and needed a transfusion and IB steroids. Moral being, don't take OTC meds without your gastro's permission.

I have had a number of these rectal haemorrhages since and have always been hospitalised. However, for some 6 years now I have been having weekly injections of 12.5 mg methotrexate and not had another haemorrage since. Gastro is concerned about the length of time I have been on mtx (I also have breast cancer, but in remission) but it is the medication that works for me.

Guess my best advice is, don't self medicate if you can avoid it.

Good luck -
Liz.

 

[pb4]

Always good to ask your pharmacist to guide you with OTC meds when taking RX...prednisolone is a liquid form of prenisone which is tablet form.