Mezavant and pentasa

[had_enough1980uk]

So the specialist referred me onto the endo unit to get a gastro and a colon.

On the report sheet they gave me it said "diagnosis: proctitis" which was found during the colonoscopy. The bowel nurse specialist afterward has prescribed me Mezavant 1.2g and Pentasa suppositories 1g. She explained that its more than likely to ulcerative colitis and steroids will help but I would be on these for the rest of my life. This is all new to me...

Still need to pick up the prescription to see if they work. She said to try the suppositories for a week first to see if that works. Not sure if I am comfortable with doing that everyday for a week... I assume i am not to use the Mezavant and pentasa at the same time...?

Still trying to take all this in... Anybody's thoughts/feedback would be much appreciated!!

I have then google UC and found all sorts of info on it. Most bad (using a j-pouch for the rest of your life after the colon being fully removed) + the risk of cancer in later life.

 

[had_enough1980uk]

Bump

 

[Jennifer]

Hi had_enough1980uk! Sorry for the late response. Have you started taking them yet?

I haven't done either one but here's a good thread on Pentasa suppositories :http://www.crohnsforum.com/showthread.php?t=31904 Since you have two different meds it would make sense to not do them at the same time as I imagine you need to keep the medicine in (doing another one may cause problems right after the first one). I imagine it may be possible to do them both at night but can't think of how much time should be in between. Did your GI mention when to take them? If not you can contact your local pharmacist on what they think would be best.

Also, yes you'll find a lot of "bad" news online because generally when someone is doing well they don't seek out the help from others. Right now I wouldn't worry about "what ifs" and just focus on getting well and feeling better. Keep us posted. Again sorry for the delayed response.

Edit: Sorry! I was thinking of enemas and possible leakage. I'm honestly not sure but I think it could be possible to take them at the same time (one after the other) but I'm not 100% sure so I'm trying to find that information out. I'll update when I know but you can still ask your pharmacist.

 

[Aussie]

Hi HadEnough, fine to take both at once, same drug, just different delivery. In regards to rectal disease, topical therapy really good, better than oral, but best would be combination of oral and rectal treatment. Once your symptoms settle, can potentially withdraw one of the treatments.

Best wishes.

 

[had_enough1980uk]

H everyone, thanks for the responses much appreciated!

The nurse specialist said to start on them suppository and to take it before bed. And if that doesn't work, to move onto the oral tablets and to take 2 right after breakfast.

I don't know what to do regarding the suppositories as I don't want to be inserting them for the rest of my life. Can't say it will be a pleasant experience!

I haven't started taking either form of tablet yet :-(

 

[Jennifer]

Suppositories aren't that bad. We used to have to take them the night before a colonoscopy every time, luckily not anymore.

The reason why they do the suppositories for certain meds is because they feel the medication will reach the location faster and be more effective. Its worth a shot but I honestly don't think you'll need to do it for the rest of your life (suppositories I mean).

 

[Charleigh]

So sorry for what you are going through! I hope you find relief and answers very soon.

 

[had_enough1980uk]

Thanks

The supps are actually making me worse, not sure how long to keep this up for if its making me worse in the mornings :-(

 

[Aussie]

Sometimes the inflammation in your rectum can be too severe to tolerate topical therapy (enemas and suppositories). Suggest continue the max dose oral therapy and retry topical therapy in a little while once you're feeling better - it can take a long time for ASAs to get on top of severe inflammation.

Best wishes.

 

[had_enough1980uk]

Definitely stopping the supps. Had so many near misses today at work!!

Got the GPs on Friday so will see what they are saying