Asacol newbie

Hi, I am new to this forum.  I have been reading through many of the topics and have found some valuable information in dealing with UC.  I was diagnosed in December 2006 with proctitis (got that flare into remission using Salofalk suppositories) and have been relatively symptom free since until about 2 weeks ago when I started what has turned into a fairly bad flare.  I did not start Asacol as prescribed by my doc after I went into remission in January and I quit using the rectal meds also. 

Hmm, I didn't have any kind of reaction like that to Asacol.  Definitely let your doctor know. 

I agree. I have been on asacol for years (on a much higher dose than you) and have never had a problem. I would contact your Gi and let them know.

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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, down to 20 mg pred.
75mg Imuran starting 8/23/07---fingers crossed!
Prontonix once daily for acid reflux, zofran twice daily for nausea

I think I am overly sensitive to medications in general. I have had a similar reaction to taking OTC allergy pills and cold medication before, although not as severe. I will have to talk to my GI. Maybe I can get away with using just rectal meds for maintenance instead of something taken orally since when I had my sigmoidoscopy in December he said only about the first 5 inches were affected....?? Hopefully this nasty flare doesn't mean it's progressed further. Thanks for your advice. :)

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Sandra, age 34

never happened to me and I take it on an empty stomach in the morning.
I take 2400mg twice a day (maximum dosage).

I felt fine, did not take my meds like I was supposed to and got a great big flare because of that.

I am now on week 8 of taking my Asacol as prescribed and I am slowly getting there, I am much better now though still have some bleeding for some bm's. but not like before.

Maybe your body is feeling it and you being sensitive to your body are maybe reacting and not understanding how you are feeling.......not a doc, just my 2 cent opinion. My advice try not to think about it and just take it.

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Beth, 31

I never had that reaction to asacol, but on my perscription bottle it does state that it may cause drowsiness or dizziness.
I would consult my doctor and discuss this with them

Janice

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Beth: You are right, I am very aware of my body and what it is telling me. I very rarely take meds of any kind (including OTC), so my body is definitely not used to being medicated. You make a really good point about my mental reaction to my body's response to it. I will see how it goes over the weekend taking my meds 2x per day as I'm supposed to and decide on Monday if I can handle it or not. In the meantime, I guess I'll just enjoy the buzz! :P

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Sandra, age 34

I was diagnosed w/ UC (proctitis) 2 wks ago. My doc has me on colazal (9 pills/day) and on

I never knew that Asacol came in a suppository form! I take it orally and have never had any side effects.

I'm very new, but I think that asacol is a trade name for the medicine mesalamine. Sorry- I'm at work and don't have my meds with me. Thinking about it now, the trade name of rectal mesalamine is canasa. I apologize. But- shouldn't they do the same things since they're both mesalamine?

SCM...no, never had that reaction.but I'm OK with salicylates.

Right now I'm not eating enough protein or enough in general as I've had D for about 2 weeks and can't keep anything in my system. I've been trying to give things a rest by eating mostly bananas, rice, broth, cooked veggies and white bread this past week. This is completely opposite to how I normally eat when not flaring (my usual diet is whole grains - nothing refined - lots of raw veggies and protein, some fruit and when not flaring, eating like this makes me feel really good). I'm not sure the dosage of my B complex and I take it in the morning.

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Sandra, age 34

SDM and TracyZ - When I first started Asacol I was in a really bad flare. My doc also put me on Flagyl at the same time so I'm not sure if these symptoms were from Asacol or Flagyl, but I was extremely dizzy, nauseous, had mild annoying headaches straight for about a week and a half (I've never had any of these things before). After a week and a half my body started getting used to the meds. I also got bad, sharp chest pains off and on for about 3 months...my docs said they didn't know why, but I'm pretty sure it was from the meds. Sometimes I still get dizzy and sort of nauseous, but it usually passes after a little while. I've never felt stoned though...lol.

I would talk to your doctor about your symptoms and see what he/she thinks. Maybe your body just needs to get used to it.

TracyZ - My first GI always told me my above posted symptoms weren't med side effects, too, but they never happened to me before.

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23 years old
Diagnosed with UC March 2007

Asacol 4 tablets 3x/day

I just re-read your post...I wouldn't think the Asacol would start working that fast...but I don't know. It doesn't release the medication until it gets to your colon and I would think that would take at least a day.

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23 years old
Diagnosed with UC March 2007

Asacol 4 tablets 3x/day

Hi...SDM...start eating protein!!

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