Entocort vs Prednisone

Is there a difference between Entocort and Prednisone? I know they are both steroids, but is one less "dangerous" and if that's the case, why would they prescibe the more dangerous one. Thanks!

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Mother of 17 year old son

Entocort is an enema foam or something of the sort. It is given directly into the intestines which is great for those with mild to moderate UC and can be a great alternative to oral steroids. Those of us with pancolitis it doesn't work as well because it can't get all the way through the colon. It is deemed less dangerous becaue it doens't have to be absorbed through the bloodstream first. It is mainly going where you want it. I am a big fan of staying as far away from steroids as possible!

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Kelly, 29

Left sided UC diagnosed 1/98 age 19, Pan colitis diagnosed 1/07
Currently on 4x3 Asacol, Rowasa every other night, back to 30 mg pred.
Waiting for prometheus test to start Immuran
Prontonix once daily for acid reflux, zofran twice daily for nausea

Actually Entocort is a pill just like pred, but is supposed to have less side effects. I was on it for four months, gained 20 pounds and when I finally stopped because I couldn't get a hold of my doc I thought I was going to loose my mind. I couldn't remember anything, I had to make a list of what I was going to do when I left the house because by the time I got in my car I couldn't remember anything. I also had the shakes so bad I could barely write and just could not keep my mind together no matter what I did. But always remember that all meds react different with different people. They say that Entocort focuses on the sigmoid section of the colon. But talk it over with your doctor and make a decision based on your needs and situation. Good luck!!

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*~~*Emily*~~*
Diag. Aug 06 (Proctosigmoiditis)
Colazal (3 pills 3x’s a day)
Colocort enemas
Probiotic
Folic Acid
Multivitamin
Calcium

My understanding is that Entocort doesn't work as quickly as pred. I have been on both and definitley prefer Entocort. The only issue I had was migraine headaches the first week or two. It didnt' make me feel giddy or nasty or ravenous like pred did. Certainly something to discuss with your doctor.

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Pancolitis since October 2004
Currently experiencing symptoms- blood and mild pain. Have started ANOTHER round of enemas.
My drugs of choice: Asacol 2-3 times a day (if I remember), Imuran, Canasa suppositories every other day, probiotics, fish oil, Iron, multi-vitamin
My other therapies of choice: Yoga, walking, my animals, and whining.

My understanding is that Entocort doesn't work as quickly as pred. I have been on both and definitley prefer Entocort. The only issue I had was migraine headaches the first week or two. It didnt' make me feel giddy or nasty or ravenous like pred did. Certainly something to discuss with your doctor.

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Pancolitis since October 2004
Currently experiencing symptoms- blood and mild pain. Have started ANOTHER round of enemas.
My drugs of choice: Asacol 2-3 times a day (if I remember), Imuran, Canasa suppositories every other day, probiotics, fish oil, Iron, multi-vitamin
My other therapies of choice: Yoga, walking, my animals, and whining.

I was put on prednisone several times in the past, and now I'm on 9 mg of entocort since my last colonoscopy (7/6).  I very much prefer entocort; there are no side effects for me, such as wanting to scarf down everything in sight and getting a big, puffy face!  And I'm feeling pretty good lately.

 

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- 45 year old; female