Any advantages of suppository vs enema, apart of ease of use?

Canasa suppositories are typically 500-mg of mesalamine and treat just the rectum. Enemas are usually 4,000-mg of mesalamine and treat the entire left side of the large intestine (rectum, sigmoid colon, all of the way up to the splenic flexure where the colon turns from left-side to horizontal across your belly).

Suppositories never did anything to help me personally. The enemas have helped me a lot though.

I don't have the answer to that question, but I doubt it? Enemas should reach the entire area. I usually have some leak out so it's definitely covering the rectum too.

I would agree with Sara14, try one at night and the other in the evening. My gasteroenteroligist prescribed me two mesalamine enemas a day, which cleared up blood once (I was taking 4.8 grams orally, and 8.0-grams rectal route; 12.8 grams total daily). It's really hard to overdose on mesalamine but you should always run it by his doctor to verify it as he's a pediatric case. You said 17, so should be about adult weight/size.

I suspect that suppositories are a little better within the rectum, at least in the very end by the sphincter. Nothing but a suspect, can't back it with evidence. Certainly the enemas are a lot more potent, more mesalamine and I'd guess that means a higher dosage to the rectum too. Again, a guess.

Thank you, guys/gals! All your comments help as I still find it tough to deal with my son's condition. exhausted mentally. I will talk to the GI about supp+enema or 2 enemas (poor boy).

We eat pescatarian, plus almost no processed food, fruits and veggies. Mediterranean diet without any meat overall. So, our normal is 2-3 bms. Last couple of days it is 4 for him. Well formed, mainly 4 by Bristol chart. So, the only symptom is a slight increase in bms and blood on TP. Currently 2 versions - beginning of a flare or some fissure (may be wishful thinking). Will explore both.

By the way... this is probably his first flare after 18 months remission. Is it possible to get back to remission by staying more or less on the same medicines or in. most cases it requires a significant change and/or upping the dose significantly?

Flares usually require a temporary increased dosage, and/or temp additional meds to beat. Flares do not go away on their own without intervention the majority of the time.

iPoop said...
Flares usually require a temporary increased dosage, and/or temp additional meds to beat. Flares do not go away on their own without intervention the majority of the time.

Have any of your had any experience with budesonide/uceris foam? Can it be effective in stopping the flare?