Entocort- When To Stop It?

[LodgeLady]

I have been on Entocort for 5 days. I'm starting to get some relief but this flare is far from over . Once I feel totally symptom free ( Hope that happens!) how and when do I begin to get off of it ?

My GI has referred me to a specialist , but I don't see him until 6 weeks from now. I got no other instructions from my current GI.

Do I continue it despite feeling better until I see the specialist?

Any advice is appreciated?

 

[Jennifer]

Usually Entocort is taken for three months and then you do a quick taper. It really all depends on what your doctor wants you to do and is also based on how you're feeling. Keep in mind though that currently the Entocort is what's making you feel better. If you stop it too soon then your symptoms will likely return.

For me I took Entocort for 3 months at 9mg then began the taper of 6mg and 9mg alternating days for a week. Then 6mg for one week. Then 6mg and 3 mg alternating for a week. Then 3mg for one week. Then 3mg every other day for a week. Then stopped.

It doesn't necessarily require a taper like Prednisone does depending on how long you take it but suddenly stopping it could result in returning symtoms. I have taken it in the past for 3 months at 9mg with no taper at all.

You can always contact your GI and new specialist to see what they say. Let them know that you weren't given any instructions.

 

[nogutsnoglory]

Like Jen, I have done 3 months, sometimes even longer and a few times for short periods 2-3 weeks.

I would definitely not stop after 5 days for fear of the flare returning. It's totally reasonable to ring the prescribing doctor to ask how long to take it.

 

[lisadc1]

I am in my 8th month of Entocort. My GI is only talking of tapering off after I begin Remicade. Desperate to get off!

 

[xmdmom]

My son has been taking entocort for almost 2 years! His doctor uses it as long as it works and isn't causing side effects. We monitor bone density.

I would definitely call the prescribing doctor and clarify how long s/he wants you to take it. Does the bottle say anything about length of treatment?

 

[LodgeLady]

My son has been taking entocort for almost 2 years! His doctor uses it as long as it works and isn't causing side effects. We monitor bone density.



I would definitely call the prescribing doctor and clarify how long s/he wants you to take it. Does the bottle say anything about length of treatment?

The prescription is for one month with 5 refills. Never thought to look at the refill amount. Last fall I was on a very high dose (40mg) and couldn't wean off it. It took me 4 mos to get off it! So I'm glad to hear Entocort seems a bit easier to wean from. I am supposed to see a specialist ( another GI at a Crohn's and Colitis Center) on June 30th. I'll probably just stay on this dose until I see him. I will have only been on Entocort for 6 weeks by the time I see him.

 

[LodgeLady]

My son has been taking entocort for almost 2 years! His doctor uses it as long as it works and isn't causing side effects. We monitor bone density.



I would definitely call the prescribing doctor and clarify how long s/he wants you to take it. Does the bottle say anything about length of treatment?

Wow that is a long time. Any noticeable side affects like moon face or hair growth? I got all that on Pred last fall. I don't want a repeat of them!

 

[Jennifer]

Wow that is a long time. Any noticeable side affects like moon face or hair growth? I got all that on Pred last fall. I don't want a repeat of them!

Those side effects aren't as common with Entocort compared to Prednisone but I know for me I did start to notice some mild water retention and facial hair growth when Entocort is taken long term (took 6 months at 9mg for me to notice those side effects).

 

[nogutsnoglory]

6 weeks is totally fine to see him and address whether to continue or taper. You likely won't find the same side effects because it's not released system wide like pred.

 

[xmdmom]

No side effects that are obvious. Bone density issues is the biggest concern and his doctot is monitoring that with a dexascan; he's also on Vit D.