Mesalamine

Question: Can I take Mesalamine & Xanax together? I am 22, i just was recently diagnosed with mild ulcerative colitis and right now I am currently taking Lialda, with Mesalamine, and probiotics to maintain it. I leave to travel to europe in a week, a 10 hour flight, and I usually take Xanax when I fly long flights... Will it be okay to take the Zanax on top of the Mesalamine?? Or will they react badly together? Please let me know, Thank you so much!!!

Answer: I don't know, if you're looking to get high try it for science. If you're just medicating, ask your doctor. We don't know or give a ****.

Question: the drug mesalamine can be taken for life long or not if taken what is the risk?

Answer: check out this site...way to much infor for me... http://www.medicinenet.com/mesalamine/ar…

Question: What is the difference between Pentasa and Lialda? They are both medications for Crohn's disease.? I am a little confused because they both have the generic name of mesalamine. Is the only difference the strength and amount of times you need to take it?

Answer: hi, i am a female crohn's pt. for 28 yrs. dxed at the age of 12. Here is the most accurate information for you: Lialda, for active, mild to moderate ulcerative colitis, is the only FDA-approved once-daily oral prescription drug of its kind.www.lialda.com - 1.2 g Pentasa (mesalamine) is used to treat ulcerative colitis, proctitis, and proctosigmoiditis. usually comes in 500 mg capsules yes, the dosage is different in both The newer treatments to treat Crohn's are Entocort, Remicade, Humira, 6MP, and Imuran. Pentasa is a thing of the past for crohn's pts. b/c many GIs have realized that it doesn't really get their pts. into remission. The same goes for Asacol. Pts. are taking more than 10 pills a day and aren't happy so their GIs are switching to other treatments with 3 pills or less. If you go to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America's site, they have more information on the newer meds, women's issues, diet, surgery, as well as locating a local support chapter, a hotline & live chat run by healthcare experts well versed in CD, plus there is an open forum where pts. and their family and friends can post questions to others in the same situation. I've been around many yrs. and have seen some great changes when it comes to treating CD. The newer meds are definitely the way to go. Ask your GI if you are a candidate for them. my heart goes out to you. i wish you a life long remission.

Question: For treatment of severe Crohn's Disease, what are the benefits/side-effects of cortisone vs mesalamine enemas? At various times, my daughter has been on either cortisone or mesalamine daily enemas, to treat her severe Crohn's Disease. Right now, it is the cortisone variety. What experiences have any of you Crohn's patients had with benefits and/or side-effects of either of these treatments? Can cortisone enemas cause side-effects similar to those of oral prednisone (weight-gain, "moon face"...)? Thank you! My daughter is in the care of a great gastro. practice at a regional children's hospital. She does take a double-dose of Remicade, every eight weeks. Despite that, she was hospitalized all of November and was on the usual mega i.v. prednisone, TPN, etc. While in the hospital, they had her using some type of suppository and a mesalamine enema. Upon her discharge, they discontinued the suppository and prescribed a cortisone-based enema. She was able to start tapering down on her prednisone fro 60mg/day and is now at 15mg/day. This time around, her body hasn't noticeably gained weight, but her face in huge. (Of course, I do not hint to that!). My question about the cortisone enemas boils down to whether her being on them could be prolonging the length of time for some of her prednisone-related side-effects to wan away, What are your thoughts?

Answer: Hi Elisabeth, if your daughter is in a big flare, why isn't the GI trying Remicade, Humira, or Entocort to get things under control? Is she on any pain meds to be made comfortable? Make sure she is on something as she has that right to be. When I was younger, I found that the enemas really didn't help so I was on oral steroids until they stopped working at 80 mg and needed surgery to improve my quality of life. Check out the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation for more information. They have live chats, a hotline, an open forum, plus they have meetings for kids under age 18 as well as their parents. I know it's hard to watch your child suffer, educate yourself, ask the GI questions or even attend a CCFA meeting to talk to those who are in the same boat as yourself. Best of luck to you. In regards to your question 4 days ago: If I were you:I'd attend one of the CCFA support meetings & ask the members about their experience w/these meds, and then I'd ask the GI or pharmacist. But that's just me.

Question: Can anyone tell me how Dr. Thomas Hale rates the safety of taking Pentasa while breastfeeding? I do not have a copy of his book "Medications and Mothers Milk". If more info is needed: Pentasa is also known as Mesalamine and is a 5-aminosalicylate drug.

Answer: I don't have a copy of his book, either, but I did a little research online. Guess what? He has a forum! I put a few links at the bottom to some information about Pentasa (usually referred to as mesalamine) and its safety when breastfeeding. From what I've read, it appears to be relatively safe (only about 1% of the medication is transferred through the breastmilk). If you still aren't comfortable, check with your local chapter of La Leche League. They usually have a copy of his book!

Question: Crohn's Disease sufferers: How do you control the diarrhea? I'm taking Prednisone and Mesalamine, but every 20-30 min. I'm up and running to the bathroom...all day, all night, 24/7! I'm getting no sleep and no rest.

Answer: hi archang, I have had Crohn's disease since the age of 12. I can totally relate to what you are going through. how long have you been on these meds? If you've been on them for a while, it's time to call your GI and think of another game plan so you can be pain free & get some rest. Are you a candidate for Entocort, Remicade, Humira, 6MP, or Imuran? Most GIs now are staying away from prednisone due to the lifelong side effects such as brittle bones, glaucoma, &osteoporosis. If you go to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America site you can find alot of information plus you can chat online with a healthcare professional who is extremely knowledgable about CD. There is also a help line you can call: 1-888-MY.GUT.PAIN( 1-888-694-8872) M-F 9 am - 5pm. Yes, this disease is a pain in the butt, (no pun intended). Definitely check out the CCFA site for the latest treatments, diet, support chapters in your town, etc. to educate yourself then share that information with your GI if he is not up to date on the newer methods. I wish you a speedy remission from one crohnie to another.

Question: Help! Are there alternatives for treating ulcerative colitis? Has anyone had any luck with alternative treatments for UC? The mesalamine is causing my hair to fall out. (I think) Suggestions??

Answer: Yes, there are natural alternatives. I have had a lot of luck with giving up all medication and using an alternative diet. My doctor told me I would have to take medication every day for the rest of my life and he was very anti this diet. But I did what I thought was best for me. My UC has improved heaps since I stopped consuming alcohol, cheese and animal flesh. Take a look at the archived information at the following website - do a search for Ulcerative Colitis in the search box: http://www.naturalnews.com There was even a recent report there about hypnotherapy being a good way to heal UC. I also highly recommend that you buy the following book: “Self Healing Colitis & Crohns� by David Klein Here is the website for David Klein with more information: http://www.colitis-crohns.com I have found raw vegetable juice fasting to be an excellent way to rest your bowels whilst still consuming all the nutrients and vitamins you need. I have this juicer and highly recommend it: http://www.happyjuicer.com/buy/Oscar-Vit… I also suggest buying a good book on juicing. I like "Raw Juices Can Save Your Life" by Sandra Cabot: http://www.femail.com.au/rawjuice.htm Good luck. .

Question: my problem with crohns? Well I just found out last monday that I have have crohns. Since my doctor really didn't give me any information about crohns. I really don't know what to expect. i was in the hospital for 6 fantastic days since i've been out my abdominal pain hasn't bother me too much until today. is this something i should be expecting forever. What changes should i make in my life. right now im taking mesalamine (4 pills 4 times a day) and promethazine . do anybody have problems with these drugs .

Answer: hi msj, welcome to the IBD club. I am a female crohnie like yourself. have had it since age 12...going on 27 yrs. now. First, educate yourself by going to the Crohns & Colitis Foundation of America site. there you can find tons of information regarding what Crohns is, medical terminology, latest treatments, diet, exercise, women's issues, surgery, Remicade treatment, Humira, and where to locate a local chapter in your state. CCFA provides support as well as eduational meetings where you can meet the drug reps, insurance reps, ppl who've had ostomy surgeries, even the surgeons. I belong to my chapter and have met the reps for Remicade and Entocort (it is a steroid but doesn't have any of the side effects prednisone does because it doesn't get absorbed into the blood stream). Diet is a different for everyone. Most ppl with IBD (crohns or UC) write in a journal to figure out which foods trigger problems. Medications react differently as well in ppl. See if you can get something prescribed for pain if it gets really bad. Antispasmatics are good for stomach spasms, muscle relaxers are helpful as well seeing as your gut is a muscle pushing all that food through. They have found the Crohns gene a few years ago on NOD 7. the ccfa site will have more info on that. Also, they have an 800 number you can call M-F 9 am - 5 pm to ask any questions you may have about your illness. The phones are manned by healthcare professionals. Surgery is always a last resort when medication treatment fails. I've had a few 10 yrs. ago but now I'm doing better. For diet, see if you can get a referal from your MD to see a registered dietician at a local hospital. They are very experienced in dealing with IBD since they've had the training in school. You can also locate one via the American Dietician Association near where you live. Yes, crohns is a pain in the butt. (no pun intended). We have come a long way from when I was first diagnosed. Hang in there and know that you are not alone.

Question: Can you deploy with colitis? I came back from a tour in Iraq and found out I have colitis. I've been on meds since then, and now with the troop surge in Afghanistan, I should have another deployment coming up. It's almost under control, I still go to the bathroom more often than a normal person, but I feel I can at least work in the TOC or S6 shop. My problem is that I am on Mesalamine and Azathioprine, which may lower your WBC count so I need blood tests every 6-8 weeks. Has anyone been deployed on these meds, or know anyone who has?

Answer: Try the link below. It is AR 40-501. Since you will be able to do a search on the particulars of your case better than I, you may find your answers there. Look especially in chapter 5-14.

Question: How do I lower protein levels N urine? The life of my kidneys depends on this!? Doc, does not seem to have any suggestions? (I need help, with a medication I can tolerate for crohn’s) (((I need an anti-inflammatory medication for inflammation of small intestine that does not contain mesalamine, which does not cost an arm and leg. {{{{{{ Previous medications have caused kidney problems. I now have the problem of too much protein in my urine.}}}}}} I am hopeful some may have suggestions for reducing protein in the urine, adjacent to the only information I have that is limited to diet changes, as this has proven unsuccessful.))) Can U help me pLz?

Answer: I think you probably need to see a nephrologist (kidney specialist) about this, not a urologist. I will also suggest that you ask on the message boards at this site: www.kidney.org (If they are working). There will be patients there with more experience than here.

Question: I need help, with a medication I can tolerate 4 crohn's>>>? I need help, with a medication I can tolerate for crohn's. I need an anti-inflammatory medication for inflammation of small intestine that does not contain mesalamine, which does not cost an arm and leg. Previous medications have caused kidney problems. I now have the problem of too much protein in my urine. I am also hopeful some may have suggestions for reducing protein in the urine, adjacent to the only information I have that is limited to diet changes, as this has proven unsuccessful. Can U help me pLz?

Answer: in the short term prednisone is your best bet adding immuran to keep the dose down

Question: Fecal Transplant in U.S.? I suffer from ulcerative colitis and have read the research done by Dr. Borody in Australia which suggests that a fecal transplant/infusion may cure some patients that suffer from UC (in Dr. Borody's research, 6 patients who underwent the transplant are still UC-free 13 years post-transplant without any medications. I know there are a few doctors performing this procedure in the U.S. for people suffering from C.diff infections. Does anyone know of any doctors in the U.S. who will perform the procedure for someone who suffers from UC? I can't afford to go to Australia to have the procedure done. On a sidenote, I'm trying to treat my UC without prednisone and mesalamine (the side effects are too much for me). Any suggestions?

Answer: I'm so sorry, I don't know of anyone in the U.S., but if you have a specialist you're currently seeing, perhaps ask him or her for a referral. I am from Canada, I'm actually getting a fecal transplant this coming Tuesday to cure C. Difficile. I know that Canadian doctors who do it are in Alberta and Ontario, so if you're in the Northern US it might not be too costly to get here. *shrug* Just a thought. All the best to you!

Question: This is my first time doing an enema and I'm nervous? I'm 15 and I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis about a month ago. Along with my UC, my doctor told me I had a bacterial infection in my colon. She prescribed me a bunch of antibiotics and I took all of them like I should. The antibiotics didn't help, so now my doctor wants me to do an enema everyday for 4 days to flush the infection out. I'm doing the enema on my own, without my mom or anyone else's help (upon my request) and I'm really scared. I'm afraid I'll mess it up and the whole concept of shoving something in my butt in general kinda creeps me out. The directions say to lay on my left side with my knee up, but I think laying on my back with both knees to my chest and my butt slightly in the air will be more comfortable for me. I'm using a kit called TEVA mesalamine solution. I haven't opened the package yet, but I believe this enema doesn't use a bag, but a bottle instead. The directions also said that the solution stains a lot of surfaces and listed just about every surface my bathroom is made of. Will it stain my porcelain bathtub? My mom says to hold the solution in as long as I can, but is there any specific time I should hold it in for? And one more thing, is there any way to calm my nerves or help ease the tension of having to do this? I'm kind of scared.

Answer: You should use as directed for best results. Laying on your left side helps the enema get into your colon better than any other way.

Question: can i use mesalamine (pentasa) suppositories for internal hemorrhoid and annal fissures?

Answer: You speak with an expert is better... good luck!

Question: how long am I suppost to hold in a Mesalamine enema? I just did this for the first time tonight and Just wanted to know how long should I hold it in because I feel like I have to go to the bathroom but I want the med to be able to treat me.

Answer: The directions are on the box but I would have to say the longer the better.

Question: WTF IS DIS **** dammit? -So i was on prednisone and mesalamine for the 1st 2 weeks of Feb. -I was taking 1 500mg melasamine capsule morning and afternoon (2 per day) and 1 dose prednisone in morning and afternoon (2 tablets prednisone) -3rd week into it I realized I had to double the dose of melasamine. So I did but kept the prednisone steroid dosage the same -When I doubled it, I developed muddafuggin rashes/tiny red spots on my face, forehead, shoulders, and chest -IS THIS ACNE VULGARIS? WILL DIS **** GO AWAY SOON? I THINK IT IS MELASMAINE SIDE FX?

Answer: If your that concerned then go to your local doctor for a check up with the med you been taking.. its just probably a side affect that it can cause you... read medicine label for side affects

Question: Ulcerative Colitis, Lialda (Mesalamine), Omeprazole and Erectile Dysfunction? I started having trouble getting an erection after I started Lialda. I stopped the Lialda like 2 weeks ago and it got better for like a week and then i started Omeprazole for GERD a few days after that and now it's a problem again. I'm a 27 year old male in otherwise normal health. Any ideas if the problem is the Colitis, or if its one or both of the meds. I'm thinking both of the meds. Buuut, before I started to see a doctor I had painful erections that I assume were a result of Colitis (I also had bad joint and eye pain), but no problems getting erections. I dont know. And finally, is any of this ED that I'm experiencing a result of permanent damage that is being caused by these drugs (which is what Im most worried about) or is it temporary and when I stop the drugs I should be fine? Thanks in advance, any advice is appreciated, and what I'm looking for is a little bit of general guidance, so just do your best. I see a GI spc. and he's great, but i have to pay a copay every time i see him and i can barely afford it, plus you have to wait like a month for an appt.

Answer: Hmm...I've been on Mesalamine for about six years (Lialda for two years) and never noticed that effect. ED is definitely a self fulfilling prophecy though. If you think something you are taking is going to cause problems it will. That's just my personal experience.