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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 12/1/2021 8:57 AM (GMT -8)
Just had another colonoscopy (to many to count over the years) today and it showed inflammation consistent with left side UC (57 years now with disease). Just wanted to mention I used the new Sutab Prep and it seemed easier to take (Water and 24 tablets).
Anyway current Drugs:
Lialda 4 tabs Daily (max) last 12 years
Rowasa Nightly (max) last 12 years

I don't want to take Pred again (to many times over the years and last round started at 60mg-brutal).

My GI wants to go to the next level which will will discuss. He said there are a lot of new options (pills, biologic). I have done a little research and Entyvio looks like the the least invasive/risk. Being 74 years old is scary to start a biologic or any next level drug. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Posted 12/1/2021 9:43 AM (GMT -8)
Just turned 70! I have been on entyvio for 4+ years now and happily in remission. I just had my 33rd infusion yesterday. No side effects. Haven’t been sicker more than usual. Had great antibody response to the covid vaccines — this is well documented in studies that entyvio patients have responded well.

Infusion times are great — only 30 minutes as opposed to 2-3 hrs with remicade. Mine are every 8 weeks and only once have I had to do some juggling because of vacation plans.

Response time: I was really sick when I started on it but pretty well controlled with prednisone. I started tapering prednisone right away and was able to successfully taper off completely for the first time ever. I used rectals until I was completely in remission. I think I was symptom free by month four but a colonoscopy around that time did show lingering microscopic inflammation that was gone by the next scope (6 months later?).
Posted 12/1/2021 9:52 AM (GMT -8)
I can't advise on the next-level drug issue, but definitely understand & share your senior concerns. Be sure to supplement with vit D3 in case your labs test low for that-- because it's very beneficial for our immune system. Best wishes and take good care. / Old Hat (40+ yrs with left-sided UC; in remission taking Colazal)
Posted 12/1/2021 2:04 PM (GMT -8)
Flowers Girl- Thanks for the response. Glad you are having great success with Entyvio. Is that the only medication you are now taking for UC?

Old Hat-D3 is a must having Labs the end of the month. Glad you are doing well.
Posted 12/2/2021 10:21 AM (GMT -8)

FlowersGal said...
Just turned 70! I have been on entyvio for 4+ years now and happily in remission. I just had my 33rd infusion yesterday. No side effects. Haven’t been sicker more than usual. Had great antibody response to the covid vaccines — this is well documented in studies that entyvio patients have responded well.

Infusion times are great — only 30 minutes as opposed to 2-3 hrs with remicade. Mine are every 8 weeks and only once have I had to do some juggling because of vacation plans.

Response time: I was really sick when I started on it but pretty well controlled with prednisone. I started tapering prednisone right away and was able to successfully taper off completely for the first time ever. I used rectals until I was completely in remission. I think I was symptom free by month four but a colonoscopy around that time did show lingering microscopic inflammation that was gone by the next scope (6 months later?).


T%hanks for the response. Are you taking any other UC medications other than Entyvio.
Posted 12/2/2021 2:06 PM (GMT -8)
I was also taking Apriso. Started that when I was diagnosed. But since it had never gotten me into remission to begin with I felt it wasn’t helping me any so I stopped taking it about 2 years after being on entyvio.

Also, 4 months to get symptom free sounds like a long time but you also have to realize that it wasn’t four full months of major symptoms and then bam!—remission. There were major improvements in those 4 months that greatly improved my QOL. I had many good days and then some bad but the rectals really helped tide me over into remission.

I hope it works as well for you! Not everyone responds as well. But I’m very happy!!
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