How long does it take for prescriptions to work?

[GingerGirl]

I was given the UC diagnosis almost exactly 2 weeks ago now and started on Uceris 9 mg and lialda 1.2 gm x4. I'm very disappointed that I'm not feeling better. I'm still having intense stomach pain and I think my stools are actually worse than before the prescriptions, a lot more watery, and still a sudden and intense need to go. It's very very limiting and has completely stopped me from doing anything. Does it really take longer than this for the prescriptions to work or should I be taking something else? My follow-up with GI doctor is not for a few weeks and the office is really horrible about responding or helping when I call.

 

[Crohns08]

I know Lialda takes about a month. I would be careful with that one because if you don't eat enough with it, it can cause stomach upset.

 

[inksane]

I tried lialda and turns out I am allergic to the damn stuff. I'm now on remicade and feeling great until the week before my infusion then I feel like crap.

 

[Lady Organic]

Lialda worked very fast for me, within 2-3 days, but it didnt work long, just a few weeks improuvement, then flare again. The next step in UC would most likely be sulphasalazine.
I am not familiar with Uceris(budesonide) steroid and thought it was used mostly for right colon and terminal ileum as my GI once explained to me. I just looked at Uceris website and they mention the release of budesonide is extended in the whole colon. I never heard o it. is this medication new on the market? For rectum and left descending colon, Prednisone which is another cortico-steroid, is usually prescribed. do you have your whole colon involved or left only?

Even if your GI is not working, the staff could possibly be able to arrange you with a appointment with another GI consultant at the clinic. Dont be affraid to push if you are feeling you are getting worst. Do you have blood and mucus?

 

[Crohns08]

Budesonide is not new, my old GI tried it on me in '08 and it didn't do much for me. They usually prescribe it if a patient is hesitant about Prednisone because it is not systemic like Prednisone is.

 

[FrozenGirl]

I have been told up to a month for Lialda, however for some people it can cause the rare side effect of making colitis worse, or it could be an allergy. I would talk to your doctor if it doesn't go away in the next day or so.

 

[Lady Organic]

Budesonide is not new, my old GI tried it on me in '08 and it didn't do much for me. They usually prescribe it if a patient is hesitant about Prednisone because it is not systemic like Prednisone is.

yes i know budesonide is not new, but what about the extended formula for full lenght bowel (Uceris)? A few years back, I asked my Gi about trying budesonide(entocort) for less side effects and he said that would not be great for me since I have recto-colitis, so we sticked to prednisone.

 

[buttER]

I would also say give it at least 4-6 weeks. Hang on in there! It takes time to work out the best treatment, and also the best treatment can change over time.