Budesonide Dosage Recommendations Needed

[drdebc]

Greetings,

I did the Budesonide taper plan, June-November, 2014 and I achieved remission until September, 2015.

The Gastro MD re-prescribed 9 MG of Budesonide, 9/15.
I experienced many side-effects including blurred vision.
I was told to discontinue Budesonide. Prescriptions of Colestipol and Lomitil did not work.
I also tried Pepto Bismol and Imodium.
The only thing that helped was to not eat anything. Even then, I still had D.

Next the Gastro prescribed Budesonide as follows:
Day 1———9 MG
Day 2———6 MG
Days 3-7 ——3 MG
Beyond Day 7——3 MG EOD
All Hell broke lose on Days-3-5
Today I put myself back on 6 MG of Budesonide. So far so good.
(Note: I am blessed to have a Gastro who encourages me to experiment with the dosage)

Unfortunately I cannot remember the dosage regimen I adopted last year that enabled me to achieve remission.

I am 64, have other auto immune conditions including MC for over 30 years. For a year, I have avoided all food sensitivities that Enterolab indicated.

Thanks in advance for your guidance,

Deb

[CathyMe.]

Hi there,
I used Entocort two times when I was at my worst and had success with it. I was able to taper off of it and then had another flare so went back on it. From what I recall, I had to do the full dosage for a good while before I could start tapering off. You might try that.

[drdebc]

I am planning to take 6 MG of Budesonide for 3 weeks, then taper to 3 MG for 2 weeks, then skip one day per week for 2 weeks, then skip 2 days for 2 weeks etc. I think that is what I did last year, I am just not sure.

[DJ]

Hello Deb,
I did 9, 6, 3, then I prolonged the weaning time by microdosing for 3 months or so by filling my own gelcaps. The following is only an example. Check the brand for gluten before purchasing!

http://www.amazon.com/Now-Foods-Gel-Cap ... n+capsules

For example, you would go from 3 mg to 1.5 mg by separating the contents of one of your 3 mg Entocorts into two blank gel caps, then to 1 mg by separating one Entocort in to three gelcaps. I went even lower than that before going off completely. As I weaned, I learned that there were a few more foods I needed to avoid. I'm happy with the way it worked for me. I had the extended time to work things out with very little exposure to the medication over the longer weaning time.

[drdebc]

DJ,

That is a brilliant idea! I just ordered those NOW brand gel caps from Amazon. NOW is the one brand that does not affect me adversely.

For a year now, I have eliminated the food sensitivities that were identified by Enterolab. I am careful to not alter my eating plan while on Budesonide.

Best to You and Your Renewed Health,
Deb

[DJ]

Thanks, Deb. I hope you regain your balance quickly.
DJ