My WebMD Sign In

Please enter email address

Enter your password

Keep me signed in on this computer

Show more Information

If you select "Keep me signed in on this computer", you can stay signed in to WebMD.com on this computer for up to 2 weeks or until you sign out. This means that a cookie will stay on your computer even when you exit or close your browser which may reduce your levels of privacy and security. You should never select this option if you're using a publicly accessible computer, or if you're sharing a computer with others. Even if you select this option there are some features of our site that still require you to log in for privacy reasons.

Forget your password? Having trouble signing in?

Why should I
sign up for WebMD?

With a WebMD Account you can:

Track your way to weight loss success
Manage your family's vaccinations
Join the conversation

See more benefits Sign Up

Why WebMD?

My WebMD

Show Menu

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

WebMD Home

Crohns and Colitis Exchange

This is a place for members with Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis to get ... more

Last Reply:

Colitis Medication/Treatment Recommendation

Ethancrane posted:

Dear friends,
I was recently prescribed TEVA Mesalamine Suspension Treatment (Enema) to treat potential colitis. (Note: I have had the condition for two years and a sigmoidoscopy suggests that I have colitis in my descending colon).
Initially, the doctor mentioned that I would not have any side-effects from the medication. However, after I took the enema dosage at night time, I developed "wetness"/moisture accumulation in my ears. I ignored the side-effect the first time, however, the second night I took the enema, I once again accumulated wetness/moisture in my ears and ALSO developed slight fever and was extremely lethargic.
I recovered at approximately 5 pm (following the night of treatment) and ceased taking the medication.
I promptly notified my doctor regarding my condition. He recommended that I take alternative medicine: 1) Steroid suppository (Proctosone/cortisone) OR 2) Asacol (pill).
I was wondering:
- if anyone else experience similar reactions using TEVA Mesalamine Enema
- if 1) Steroid suppository (Proctosone/cortisone) OR 2) Asacol (pill) is normally recommended to treat colitis
- at what point does a doctor recommend colonoscopy to rule out possibility of ulcerative colitis
Thanks,
Ethan

2 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Colitis Medication/Treatment RecommendationDear friends, I was recently prescribed TEVA Mesalamine Suspension Treatment (Enema) to treat potential colitis. (Note: I have had the condition for two years and a sigmoidoscopy suggests that I have colitis in my descending colon). Initially, the doctor mentioned that I would not have any side-effects from the medication. However, after I took the enema dosage at night time, I developed "wetness"/moisture accumulation in my ears. I ignored the side-effect the first time, however, the second night I took the enema, I once again accumulated wetness/moisture in my ears and ALSO developed slight fever and was extremely lethargic. I recovered at approximately 5 pm (following the night of treatment) and ceased taking the medication. I promptly notified my doctor regarding my condition. He recommended that I take alternative medicine: 1) Steroid suppository (Proctosone/cortisone) OR 2) Asacol (pill). I was wondering: - if anyone else experience similar reactions using TEVA Mesalamine Enema - if 1) Steroid suppository (Proctosone/cortisone) OR 2) Asacol (pill) is normally recommended to treat colitis - at what point does a doctor recommend colonoscopy to rule out possibility of ulcerative colitis Thanks, Ethan

sheba_q responded:

Hello again

I haven't heard anyone having trouble with enemas, although that doesn't mean it never happens. Steroids (basically anything ending with 'sone') are a short term treatment to get things under control. The side effects from taking them for a long time can be really nasty. You need to take a long term maintenance drug, usually starting with the 5-asa drugs - Asacol being one of them.

I was initially diagnosed with probable ulcerative colitis/possible Crohn's by sigmoidoscopy. It wasn't until the 10 year mark that I started getting a colonoscopy. Why does your doctor say you "may have" colitis? Did he take biopsies? That should be able to say plenty, even if only the first part was scoped.

Report This| Share this:Colitis Medication/Treatment RecommendationHello again I haven't heard anyone having trouble with enemas, although that doesn't mean it never happens. Steroids (basically anything ending with 'sone') are a short term treatment to get things under control. The side effects from taking them for a long time can be really nasty. You need to take a long term maintenance drug, usually starting with the 5-asa drugs - Asacol being one of them. I was initially diagnosed with probable ulcerative colitis/possible Crohn's by sigmoidoscopy. It wasn't until the 10 year mark that I started getting a colonoscopy. Why does your doctor say you "may have" colitis? Did he take biopsies? That should be able to say plenty, even if only the first part was scoped.

arbob2 replied to sheba_q's response:

I used the mesalamine enemas for a short time with not much success, simply because I couldn't retain the "stuff" for very long. It was a waste of money for me. I think I retained it only once for the entire night. Usually within one hour of inserting it, I would have to poop it out. So much for that treatment.

I would think a colonoscopy would be required to get a true diagnosis of your condition.

Keep us posted. We care.

Report This| Share this:Colitis Medication/Treatment RecommendationI used the mesalamine enemas for a short time with not much success, simply because I couldn't retain the "stuff" for very long. It was a waste of money for me. I think I retained it only once for the entire night. Usually within one hour of inserting it, I would have to poop it out. So much for that treatment. I would think a colonoscopy would be required to get a true diagnosis of your condition. Keep us posted. We care.

More from WebMD related to this Discussion

alternative medicine | ulcerative colitis | colonoscopy | Medication | cortisone

See Related Digestive Disorders Communities

See All Communities

Women's Health Newsletter

Find out what women really need.

Spotlight: Member Stories

arbob5

OK, I'm retired, married 50 years, was dx with UC four years ago. It is now under control (not a complete remission, but so close!!!), and I lov...More

See All Posts by arbob5

More Members

jetta4me

Edit your story | See All Members

Popular Discussions

Start a Discussion | See All

Helpful Tips

Assistance for Medical Expenses

Many with a diagnosis of Crohn's or Colitis are unable to work or enjoy many social or physical activities. The burden of paying medical ... More

Was this Helpful?

22 of 28 found this helpful

Post a Tip | See All

Helpful Resources

Vitamins and Supplements for U...

Vitamin D and Crohn's

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

A Visual Guide to Inflammatory...

CCFA

Post a Resource | See All

Report Problems to the
Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Other Member Communities

Dieting Club: 10 - 25 Lbs Member Community Share Your Tips and Support!
Caregiving Member Community The Support and Understanding You Need!
Parenting Friends Talking Member Community Get Support from Members Like You!

The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.

Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.

Crohns and Colitis Exchange

See All

Preferences

My Communities

My Discussions

My Email Digests

More from WebMD related to this Discussion