Asacol
Moderators: Rosie, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
Asacol
Was diagnosed with MC and thought I would try the Asacol under my GI's insistence along with the GF diet. Then had gastroscopy which showed definite Celiac. On the Asacol for a month with absolutely no difference at all. When I spoke with my GI the other night I asked her about the Asacol and told her it had not helped. She told me to continue taking it. My feeling is why take a drug if it's not working!
Mitzi,
I feel the same way about most anything a Dr. gives me that doesn't work. As far as asacol goes, I had an allergic reaction to it (and colazol) so I can't give you much help there. I seem to remember that my Dr. said it could take up to 6 weeks to start working.
Jan
I feel the same way about most anything a Dr. gives me that doesn't work. As far as asacol goes, I had an allergic reaction to it (and colazol) so I can't give you much help there. I seem to remember that my Dr. said it could take up to 6 weeks to start working.
Jan
While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart. - Saint Francis of Assisi
Hi Mitzi,
Sorry to hear about the second diagnosis. It shouldn't matter much, though, in the long run, because the MC is harder to control than the celiac sprue, and if you use diet to control your MC, then the celiac symptoms will be controlled, also. Yes, as has already been pointed out, it can take a while for Asacol to work, and it doesn't work for everyone.
Hopefully, your intestines will make good progress healing, on the diet, and you will soon see some relief. If your symptoms don't improve after about 6 to 8 months, you may need to remove dairy products, and possibly soy, from your diet, in order to achieve remission.
I agree with you, though - if the Asacol doesn't start providing some relief within 2 or 3 more weeks, it may be a lost cause.
Good luck with your treatment.
Tex
Sorry to hear about the second diagnosis. It shouldn't matter much, though, in the long run, because the MC is harder to control than the celiac sprue, and if you use diet to control your MC, then the celiac symptoms will be controlled, also. Yes, as has already been pointed out, it can take a while for Asacol to work, and it doesn't work for everyone.
Hopefully, your intestines will make good progress healing, on the diet, and you will soon see some relief. If your symptoms don't improve after about 6 to 8 months, you may need to remove dairy products, and possibly soy, from your diet, in order to achieve remission.
I agree with you, though - if the Asacol doesn't start providing some relief within 2 or 3 more weeks, it may be a lost cause.
Good luck with your treatment.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Hey Mitzi:
The Asacol 2 tabs three times a day alone did not improve me significantly. Then in Feb GI put me on Entocort 3mg x 3 a day which I started with 3 mg x 2 a day, and so far after about 2 weeks I feel better than I have in months. The Asacol I still take 2 tabs twice a day, but I was having alot of nausea and sometimes vomiting which my GI doc said the Asacol should not cause, but hey I am the one with chronic nausea and vomiting once to twice a week, I think it was Tex that said he had experience the n & v also with the MC, I have decided now that I feel I am turning the corner that it was because my GI system so out of wack, also since on the Entocort my WBC count has returned to normal!
Good luck and I hope my experience may help you in some way, finding this support group saved me,,until you experience living with MC,, most people do not have a clue how exhausting it is, and difficult at times to carry out activities of daily life and try to work.
LW
The Asacol 2 tabs three times a day alone did not improve me significantly. Then in Feb GI put me on Entocort 3mg x 3 a day which I started with 3 mg x 2 a day, and so far after about 2 weeks I feel better than I have in months. The Asacol I still take 2 tabs twice a day, but I was having alot of nausea and sometimes vomiting which my GI doc said the Asacol should not cause, but hey I am the one with chronic nausea and vomiting once to twice a week, I think it was Tex that said he had experience the n & v also with the MC, I have decided now that I feel I am turning the corner that it was because my GI system so out of wack, also since on the Entocort my WBC count has returned to normal!
Good luck and I hope my experience may help you in some way, finding this support group saved me,,until you experience living with MC,, most people do not have a clue how exhausting it is, and difficult at times to carry out activities of daily life and try to work.
LW
LWalker
Gas - lots of it!
I'm new to this list and don't know much...
My gastroenterologist put me on Asacol since onslaught of my MC, Halloween 2002. It worked great. The D stopped, so I stopped the Asacol. I thought I was cured...hahaha. Within 1-2 months, I got reactive arthritis in my ankle - it was nasty! I saw a rheumatologist this time, who put me on sulfasalazine. It fixed the arthritis, but I had constant D. I decided to get off the sulfasalazine slowly and go back on the Asacol - the less I took, the less D I had - it was the sulfasalazine causing it. A month later I still had intermittent bouts of D so I went back on the Asacol and no more D. I still have short bouts of D which are tolerable, but I have a serious issue with gas. Particulary from dairy, animal fats & oils. I was surprised to read Asacol has lactose in it because it doesn't noticably bother me - go figure. I've tried non-dairy & soy "ice cream." I don't get the gas, but after having some for dessert, I'll wake up doubled over at 2:00 AM and spend the rest of the night in the bathroom. What on earth is in them to cause that type of reaction? Dairy Queen does the same thing - BAH!
My diet for least amount of gas is Asacol, coffee, a piece of dry bread, 4 oz OJ, & 2-4 hard boiled eggs - that covers breakfast, lunch & snack.
Then I eat dinner, which is whatever my husband makes (I HATE the kitchen!) and then I go lay on the couch for my very short evenings & pass gas. (my short evenings = get up at 4:20 AM; out the door by 5:45 AM; get home by 6:30 PM; bed at 9:00 PM - I need a life!)
Entocort sounds like an alternative to Asacol. Does anyone know why it seems to work better other than no lactose? Does anyone know if it is any less expensive than Asacol?
Bev the Newbie
My gastroenterologist put me on Asacol since onslaught of my MC, Halloween 2002. It worked great. The D stopped, so I stopped the Asacol. I thought I was cured...hahaha. Within 1-2 months, I got reactive arthritis in my ankle - it was nasty! I saw a rheumatologist this time, who put me on sulfasalazine. It fixed the arthritis, but I had constant D. I decided to get off the sulfasalazine slowly and go back on the Asacol - the less I took, the less D I had - it was the sulfasalazine causing it. A month later I still had intermittent bouts of D so I went back on the Asacol and no more D. I still have short bouts of D which are tolerable, but I have a serious issue with gas. Particulary from dairy, animal fats & oils. I was surprised to read Asacol has lactose in it because it doesn't noticably bother me - go figure. I've tried non-dairy & soy "ice cream." I don't get the gas, but after having some for dessert, I'll wake up doubled over at 2:00 AM and spend the rest of the night in the bathroom. What on earth is in them to cause that type of reaction? Dairy Queen does the same thing - BAH!
My diet for least amount of gas is Asacol, coffee, a piece of dry bread, 4 oz OJ, & 2-4 hard boiled eggs - that covers breakfast, lunch & snack.
Then I eat dinner, which is whatever my husband makes (I HATE the kitchen!) and then I go lay on the couch for my very short evenings & pass gas. (my short evenings = get up at 4:20 AM; out the door by 5:45 AM; get home by 6:30 PM; bed at 9:00 PM - I need a life!)Entocort sounds like an alternative to Asacol. Does anyone know why it seems to work better other than no lactose? Does anyone know if it is any less expensive than Asacol?
Bev the Newbie
Bev
CC, DES exposed & Birch Pollen & related foods (no raw tree fruit)
CC, DES exposed & Birch Pollen & related foods (no raw tree fruit)
Hi Bev,
Welcome to our internet family. Regarding your problems with dairy and soy ice cream, most of us are intolerant to the protein in milk, known as casein, and casein is in all dairy products. Also, about half of us are intolerant of soya, the protein in soy beans, so we have to avoid anything with soy in it, including such soy derivatives as soy lecithin, which is an emulsifier that is in a lot of food products. Considering your reaction to the non-dairy ice cream, it sure sounds as though you are intolerant of soy.
Sulfasalazine may cause you to react because it is a derivative of salicylic acid, and salicylic acid is what asprin is made from. NSAIDs, (including aspirin, of course), trigger MC for many people, so we have to avoid them. Asacol, (and all the other 5-ASA meds, such as Pentasa, Colazal, Lialda, etc.), is also based on a derivative of salicylic acid, so some of us are intolerant of those meds, also. For some people, though, it works just fine, (just as it seems to work OK for you).
Entocort is a corticosteroid, (based on budesonide, as the active ingredient), which makes it a more potent inflammation fighter than the 5-ASA meds, so that's why many of us have much better results with it, than we do with Asacol, for example. Unfortunately, though, (in the U. S., at least), Entocort is a very expensive med, compared with Asacol.
You sure are working long hours. I hope you at least get the weekends off.
Incidentally, I noticed on another thread, you mentioned that you were having a problem posting. To start a new thread, just click on one of the buttons that are labeled "new topic", and the system will open a posting window where you can start your own thread. Those buttons are located at the top and bottom of all forums, and also at the top and bottom of all threads, such as this one, (look just above the first post, or just below the last post, on the left side). Any time that you need any help using any of the features of this board, or you have a question about anything, please don't hesitate to ask.
Again, welcome to the board.
Tex (Wayne)
Welcome to our internet family. Regarding your problems with dairy and soy ice cream, most of us are intolerant to the protein in milk, known as casein, and casein is in all dairy products. Also, about half of us are intolerant of soya, the protein in soy beans, so we have to avoid anything with soy in it, including such soy derivatives as soy lecithin, which is an emulsifier that is in a lot of food products. Considering your reaction to the non-dairy ice cream, it sure sounds as though you are intolerant of soy.
Sulfasalazine may cause you to react because it is a derivative of salicylic acid, and salicylic acid is what asprin is made from. NSAIDs, (including aspirin, of course), trigger MC for many people, so we have to avoid them. Asacol, (and all the other 5-ASA meds, such as Pentasa, Colazal, Lialda, etc.), is also based on a derivative of salicylic acid, so some of us are intolerant of those meds, also. For some people, though, it works just fine, (just as it seems to work OK for you).
Entocort is a corticosteroid, (based on budesonide, as the active ingredient), which makes it a more potent inflammation fighter than the 5-ASA meds, so that's why many of us have much better results with it, than we do with Asacol, for example. Unfortunately, though, (in the U. S., at least), Entocort is a very expensive med, compared with Asacol.
You sure are working long hours. I hope you at least get the weekends off.
Incidentally, I noticed on another thread, you mentioned that you were having a problem posting. To start a new thread, just click on one of the buttons that are labeled "new topic", and the system will open a posting window where you can start your own thread. Those buttons are located at the top and bottom of all forums, and also at the top and bottom of all threads, such as this one, (look just above the first post, or just below the last post, on the left side). Any time that you need any help using any of the features of this board, or you have a question about anything, please don't hesitate to ask.
Again, welcome to the board.
Tex (Wayne)
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Hi Tex, Thanks for the welcome! I don't work long hours, I have the commute from *.*! 40 miles 1 way - I love I-5...
I guess bottom line, my endocrine system is outta whack! I can't eat raw tree fruit either - that's a worse reaction, anaphalactic shock - that makes the gut not seem so bad! Everyone on my mother's side of the family either has Type 1 diabetes or a gut anomaly. I was 55 when this started. My cousin turned 55 last year and gee, she suddenly got D. We decided if we had to choose, we'll stick with MC over Type 1 diabetes.
Oh, Entocort is a steroid. Oh well. I think I'd rather have gas and keep my bones. WOW, it's more expensive that Asacol. Asacol is my only prescription. With my limited exposure to big pharma, I thought the price was highway robbery! I can't imagine paying even more!
I think I had trouble yesterday because I tried to post as soon as signed up not realizing I had to wait for the green light so to speak. I think I've got the hang of it now.
Have a grand weekend.
Bev
I guess bottom line, my endocrine system is outta whack! I can't eat raw tree fruit either - that's a worse reaction, anaphalactic shock - that makes the gut not seem so bad! Everyone on my mother's side of the family either has Type 1 diabetes or a gut anomaly. I was 55 when this started. My cousin turned 55 last year and gee, she suddenly got D. We decided if we had to choose, we'll stick with MC over Type 1 diabetes.
Oh, Entocort is a steroid. Oh well. I think I'd rather have gas and keep my bones. WOW, it's more expensive that Asacol. Asacol is my only prescription. With my limited exposure to big pharma, I thought the price was highway robbery! I can't imagine paying even more!
I think I had trouble yesterday because I tried to post as soon as signed up not realizing I had to wait for the green light so to speak. I think I've got the hang of it now.
Have a grand weekend.
Bev
Bev
CC, DES exposed & Birch Pollen & related foods (no raw tree fruit)
CC, DES exposed & Birch Pollen & related foods (no raw tree fruit)
Most of us can't eat raw fruit, until we achieve remission, and our gut has had enough time to heal. Even if it's thoroughly cooked, some raw fruit causes problems, because it is high in fiber, and fiber aggravates MC. We don't get anaphylaxis from fruit, though - we get D.
There definitely is a genetic link for most of these autoimmune diseases. One of the problems of diabetes, is that it can cause certain other issues that can further complicate MC. For example, diabetes is the leading risk factor for gastroparesis, (delayed stomach emptying). Some of us with MC, also occasionally experience gastroparesis, even though we don't have diabetes. I suspect that it's one of the main reasons why some of us have nausea, and sometimes vomiting, while other MCers do not.
I agree with you, that I would rather have MC, than diabetes. MC is a miserable, life-altering disease, but not nearly as life-altering as diabetes.
It's true that Entocort, (budesonide), is as effective as Prednisone, but it does not have anywhere near the risk of severe side effects that Prednisone has, due to the fact that it is encapsulated, so that it does not become activated until it reaches the lower third of the small intestine, and the colon. Because of that, only about 10 to 15% of it is absorbed into the bloodstream, and the risk of side effects is reduced accordingly. Many members here have had excellent results from it, with negligible side effects. Everyone is different, though, and a few members have found that they are allergic to it, and some have had adverse neurological effects from it.
Incidentally, I notice that you mention DES in your signature line. About 15 months ago, we did a poll about that topic. We didn't get many responses, and there doesn't appear to be a close link with MC, but you might be interested in reading the results, anyway. Here's the location of the thread:
http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=6939
Also, since you mention having a lot of allergies, you might be interested in reading some of the articles in the links mentioned in the thread at the following link, concerning how mast cell reactions can be connected with MC. This is relatively new information, as far as MC is concerned.
http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=9635
I hope you have a great weekend, too.
Tex
There definitely is a genetic link for most of these autoimmune diseases. One of the problems of diabetes, is that it can cause certain other issues that can further complicate MC. For example, diabetes is the leading risk factor for gastroparesis, (delayed stomach emptying). Some of us with MC, also occasionally experience gastroparesis, even though we don't have diabetes. I suspect that it's one of the main reasons why some of us have nausea, and sometimes vomiting, while other MCers do not.
I agree with you, that I would rather have MC, than diabetes. MC is a miserable, life-altering disease, but not nearly as life-altering as diabetes.
It's true that Entocort, (budesonide), is as effective as Prednisone, but it does not have anywhere near the risk of severe side effects that Prednisone has, due to the fact that it is encapsulated, so that it does not become activated until it reaches the lower third of the small intestine, and the colon. Because of that, only about 10 to 15% of it is absorbed into the bloodstream, and the risk of side effects is reduced accordingly. Many members here have had excellent results from it, with negligible side effects. Everyone is different, though, and a few members have found that they are allergic to it, and some have had adverse neurological effects from it.
Incidentally, I notice that you mention DES in your signature line. About 15 months ago, we did a poll about that topic. We didn't get many responses, and there doesn't appear to be a close link with MC, but you might be interested in reading the results, anyway. Here's the location of the thread:
http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=6939
Also, since you mention having a lot of allergies, you might be interested in reading some of the articles in the links mentioned in the thread at the following link, concerning how mast cell reactions can be connected with MC. This is relatively new information, as far as MC is concerned.
http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=9635
I hope you have a great weekend, too.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Tex,
A correction, Asprin is NOT an NSAID. It thought to inhibit synthesis of prostaglandin in the CNS or of other substances that sensitize pain receptors to mechanical or chemical stimulation, but the exact action of ASA (asprin) is not known. NSAIDS have specific action to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis via inhibition of COX-2, thereby producing antiflam, analgesic and antipyretic effects. Although NSAIDS, per the medical literature seem to aggrivate or actually cause MC in some cases, there is no medical doccumentation that ASA has the same effect. Your connection of sulfasalazine to NSAIDS is incorrect. A direct quote from Medscape about sulfasalazine is below
"Although the precise mechanism of action of sulfasalazine in the management of ulcerative colitis has not been determined, one possible mechanism is that sulfasalazine serves as a vehicle to deliver sulfapyridine and 5-aminosalicylic acid (mesalamine) to the colon in higher concentrations than can be achieved by oral administration of these metabolites alone. Once these agents have reached the colon, therapeutic effect may result from antibacterial action of sulfapyridine and/or topical anti-inflammatory action of 5-aminosalicylic acid. (For additional information on the anti-inflammatory action of 5-aminosalicylic acid, see Pharmacology in Mesalamine 56:36.) Other actions that may explain the activity of sulfasalazine include changes in organizational patterns in intestinal flora, reduction in Clostridium and Escherichia coli in the stools, inhibition of the synthesis of prostaglandins known to elicit diarrhea and affect mucosal transport, alteration in the secretion and absorption of fluids and electrolytes by the colon, and/or immunosuppression. Although it has been proposed that the therapeutic effects may also be related to the affinity of the drug for connective tissue and serosal membranes, ulcerative colitis principally affects mucosa that has very little connective tissue."
Please do not confuse people on this form that sulfasalazine or Meslalamine or other drugs in this class are related to NSAIDS, because there is no relationship, and are found to be very effective in treating IBDS. In that sense the sulfasalazine should have worked as well as the Asacol (mesalamine) if not better, since that is one of the components of the drug. One of the things that confuses me about those who take Asacol is many of you take a dose that is too low considering the reccomended dose is 4, 400 mg tabs 3 times per day. I find that many of you who post on this site only take 2 caps twice a day. I have looked in my Nursing Drug handbook, Medscape and the PDR, and the reccomended dose for IBD is 4 tabs three times per day. That seems to be what has worked for me, I have been feeling so good I tried to start weaning down, to three tabs or two tabs, and have had an increase of symptoms each time I try.
KD
A correction, Asprin is NOT an NSAID. It thought to inhibit synthesis of prostaglandin in the CNS or of other substances that sensitize pain receptors to mechanical or chemical stimulation, but the exact action of ASA (asprin) is not known. NSAIDS have specific action to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis via inhibition of COX-2, thereby producing antiflam, analgesic and antipyretic effects. Although NSAIDS, per the medical literature seem to aggrivate or actually cause MC in some cases, there is no medical doccumentation that ASA has the same effect. Your connection of sulfasalazine to NSAIDS is incorrect. A direct quote from Medscape about sulfasalazine is below
"Although the precise mechanism of action of sulfasalazine in the management of ulcerative colitis has not been determined, one possible mechanism is that sulfasalazine serves as a vehicle to deliver sulfapyridine and 5-aminosalicylic acid (mesalamine) to the colon in higher concentrations than can be achieved by oral administration of these metabolites alone. Once these agents have reached the colon, therapeutic effect may result from antibacterial action of sulfapyridine and/or topical anti-inflammatory action of 5-aminosalicylic acid. (For additional information on the anti-inflammatory action of 5-aminosalicylic acid, see Pharmacology in Mesalamine 56:36.) Other actions that may explain the activity of sulfasalazine include changes in organizational patterns in intestinal flora, reduction in Clostridium and Escherichia coli in the stools, inhibition of the synthesis of prostaglandins known to elicit diarrhea and affect mucosal transport, alteration in the secretion and absorption of fluids and electrolytes by the colon, and/or immunosuppression. Although it has been proposed that the therapeutic effects may also be related to the affinity of the drug for connective tissue and serosal membranes, ulcerative colitis principally affects mucosa that has very little connective tissue."
Please do not confuse people on this form that sulfasalazine or Meslalamine or other drugs in this class are related to NSAIDS, because there is no relationship, and are found to be very effective in treating IBDS. In that sense the sulfasalazine should have worked as well as the Asacol (mesalamine) if not better, since that is one of the components of the drug. One of the things that confuses me about those who take Asacol is many of you take a dose that is too low considering the reccomended dose is 4, 400 mg tabs 3 times per day. I find that many of you who post on this site only take 2 caps twice a day. I have looked in my Nursing Drug handbook, Medscape and the PDR, and the reccomended dose for IBD is 4 tabs three times per day. That seems to be what has worked for me, I have been feeling so good I tried to start weaning down, to three tabs or two tabs, and have had an increase of symptoms each time I try.
KD
I started off with 2 tabs of Asacol 3 times a day. I cut it down to 2 tabs 2 times a day because half the time I forgot to take the "lunchtime" dose anyway. My original GI doc told me take the 2 tabs 3 times a day. The GI doc I have here seemed to have no problem with me taking only 2 tabs 2 times a day.
There was one woman here (Peg) who maintained on 1 tab a day for several months. I guess we are all different.
I was told to stay away from NSAIDS (including Asprin). All I know is that they both reduce inflamation, pain & fever and I often disobey and take some. When I do I usually take asprin though I can't tell you why.
My GI doc here thinks Asacol is an NSAID but controlled to work only in the bowel.
I find this all very confusing.
Love, Shirley
There was one woman here (Peg) who maintained on 1 tab a day for several months. I guess we are all different.
I was told to stay away from NSAIDS (including Asprin). All I know is that they both reduce inflamation, pain & fever and I often disobey and take some. When I do I usually take asprin though I can't tell you why.
My GI doc here thinks Asacol is an NSAID but controlled to work only in the bowel.
I find this all very confusing.
Love, Shirley
When the eagles are silent, the parrots begin to jabber"
-- Winston Churchill
-- Winston Churchill
-
faithberry
- Adélie Penguin
- Posts: 246
- Joined: Wed Mar 04, 2009 7:40 am
Bev,
Maybe you have classic allergies and have it all sorted out. If not and you are going into anaphalactic shock, you might be interested in visiting these two forums that discuss mast cell disorders including idiopathic anaphylaxis (sometimes referred to as mast cell activation disorder or syndrome):
health.groups.yahoo.com/group/OnlineTMSSupport/
mastcelldisorders.lefora.com/forum/
I've learned so much from these two forums although shocking is not a problem for me.
Good luck!
Maybe you have classic allergies and have it all sorted out. If not and you are going into anaphalactic shock, you might be interested in visiting these two forums that discuss mast cell disorders including idiopathic anaphylaxis (sometimes referred to as mast cell activation disorder or syndrome):
health.groups.yahoo.com/group/OnlineTMSSupport/
mastcelldisorders.lefora.com/forum/
I've learned so much from these two forums although shocking is not a problem for me.
Good luck!
Faith
LC (in remission)
LC (in remission)
KD,
A correction?
I don't think so. A difference of opinion? Maybe.
While I certainly respect your right to have your own unique opinion, it seems to be contrary to commonly-accepted standards, and, in fact, is at odds with the opinions of virtually everyone else in the world, who might have an opinion about it, (including myself, of course). Here, for example, are a few "opinions" concerning the definition of the term "NSAID":
Most NSAIDs block both Cox-1 and Cox-2 enzymes. They include the over-the-counter drugs:
* Aspirin (Bufferin, Bayer, and Excedrin)
* Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin)
* Ketoprofen (Actron, Orudis)
* Naproxen (Aleve)
Other NSAIDs are available by prescription. They include:
* Daypro
* Indocin
* Lodine
* Naprosyn
* Relafen
* Voltaren
Aspirin has some benefits that other NSAIDs do not. The biggest is that aspirin works against the formation of blood clots.
http://arthritis.webmd.com/features/pai ... saids-work
Look at it this way: Is aspirin Non-Steroidal? Yep, it sure is. Is aspirin an Anti-Inflammatory Drug. Yep, it sure is. What does that make, when we put it all together? (All together, now), - an NSAID!
Need more evidence? Even the highly-respected Merck Manual is as "confused" as I am:
Concerning your remarks about sulfasalazine: I don't see how your quote from "Medscape" has any relevance to the issue of whether or not the 5-ASA meds are related to aspirin, and/or NSAIDs. The quote doesn't even mention aspirin, nor NSAIDs. It does, however, specifically point out that this group of sulfasalazine-based medications do indeed have anti-inflammatory qualities, and it mentions that they are based on a derivative of salicylic acid, (aminosalicylic acid). Hmmmmmm. These meds are also non-steroidal, aren't they? Let's see now, they are - Non-Steroidal, Anti-Inflamatory Drugs. Well, what do you know, what a strange coincidence! And what is aspirin made from? Yep, salicylic acid. If it quacks like duck . . .
Here's one more quote for your perusal, concerning NSAIDs:
If you're taking aspirin, thinking that it is a safe medication for someone with MC, I wish you luck, because you will probably need it.
Please be aware that I have absolutely nothing against someone correcting me. In fact, I appreciate being corrected, when I have made a mistake. If someone disagrees with an opinion of mine, or anyone else's, for that matter, then we can all enjoy a good discussion, (or even a debate). (How else are we to learn the truth, when the truth is not evident). However, if you are going to disagree with someone, be sure that there is at least some degree of logic in your attempt at refutation, and something substantial, to back up your claims. Repeating disinformation, is not usually beneficial, (and we all know that disinformation is extremely common on the net, especially pertaining to MC, and particularly in the field of "natural" treatments). We have to learn to pick out the wheat from the chaff, so to speak, or we spend unnecessary time being sick, because we ate too much chaff.
Tex
A correction?
I don't think so. A difference of opinion? Maybe.While I certainly respect your right to have your own unique opinion, it seems to be contrary to commonly-accepted standards, and, in fact, is at odds with the opinions of virtually everyone else in the world, who might have an opinion about it, (including myself, of course). Here, for example, are a few "opinions" concerning the definition of the term "NSAID":
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art ... lekey=4592Definition of NSAID
NSAID: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. NSAIDs are commonly prescribed for the inflammation of arthritis and other body tissues, such as in tendinitis and bursitis. Examples of NSAIDs include aspirin, indomethacin (Indocin), ibuprofen (Motrin), naproxen (Naprosyn), piroxicam (Feldene), and nabumetone (Relafen).
Most NSAIDs block both Cox-1 and Cox-2 enzymes. They include the over-the-counter drugs:
* Aspirin (Bufferin, Bayer, and Excedrin)
* Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin)
* Ketoprofen (Actron, Orudis)
* Naproxen (Aleve)
Other NSAIDs are available by prescription. They include:
* Daypro
* Indocin
* Lodine
* Naprosyn
* Relafen
* Voltaren
Aspirin has some benefits that other NSAIDs do not. The biggest is that aspirin works against the formation of blood clots.
http://arthritis.webmd.com/features/pai ... saids-work
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NSAIDNon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, usually abbreviated to NSAIDs or NAIDs, are drugs with analgesic, antipyretic (lowering an elevated body temperature and relieving pain without impairing consciousness) and, in higher doses, with anti-inflammatory effects (reducing inflammation). The term "non-steroidal" is used to distinguish these drugs from steroids, which (among a broad range of other effects) have a similar eicosanoid-depressing, anti-inflammatory action. As analgesics, NSAIDs are unusual in that they are non-narcotic.
NSAIDs are sometimes also referred to as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents/analgesics (NSAIAs) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIMs). The most prominent members of this group of drugs are aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen partly because they are available over-the-counter in many areas.
Look at it this way: Is aspirin Non-Steroidal? Yep, it sure is. Is aspirin an Anti-Inflammatory Drug. Yep, it sure is. What does that make, when we put it all together? (All together, now), - an NSAID!
Need more evidence? Even the highly-respected Merck Manual is as "confused" as I am:
http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec06/ch078/c ... ch078d-162Increased risk of heart and blood vessel disorders: Recent studies suggest that with all NSAIDs except aspirin, the risk of heart attack, stroke, and blood clots in the legs may be increased.
Concerning your remarks about sulfasalazine: I don't see how your quote from "Medscape" has any relevance to the issue of whether or not the 5-ASA meds are related to aspirin, and/or NSAIDs. The quote doesn't even mention aspirin, nor NSAIDs. It does, however, specifically point out that this group of sulfasalazine-based medications do indeed have anti-inflammatory qualities, and it mentions that they are based on a derivative of salicylic acid, (aminosalicylic acid). Hmmmmmm. These meds are also non-steroidal, aren't they? Let's see now, they are - Non-Steroidal, Anti-Inflamatory Drugs. Well, what do you know, what a strange coincidence! And what is aspirin made from? Yep, salicylic acid. If it quacks like duck . . .
Here's one more quote for your perusal, concerning NSAIDs:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AspirinAspirin (USAN), also known as acetylsalicylic acid (pronounced /əˌsɛtɪlsælɪˌsɪlɪk ˈæsɪd/, abbreviated ASA), is a salicylate drug, often used as an analgesic to relieve minor aches and pains, as an antipyretic to reduce fever, and as an anti-inflammatory medication.
Aspirin also has an antiplatelet, or "anti-clotting", effect and is used in long-term, low doses to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and blood clot formation in people at high risk for developing blood clots.[1] It has also been established that low doses of aspirin may be given immediately after a heart attack to reduce the risk of another heart attack or of the death of cardiac tissue.[2][3]
The main undesirable side effects of aspirin are gastrointestinal ulcers, stomach bleeding, and tinnitus, especially in higher doses. In children and adolescents, aspirin is no longer used to control flu-like symptoms or the symptoms of chickenpox or other viral illnesses, due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.[4]
Aspirin was the first-discovered member of the class of drugs known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), not all of which are salicylates, although they all have similar effects and most have inhibition of the enzyme cyclooxygenase as their mechanism of action.
If you're taking aspirin, thinking that it is a safe medication for someone with MC, I wish you luck, because you will probably need it.
Please be aware that I have absolutely nothing against someone correcting me. In fact, I appreciate being corrected, when I have made a mistake. If someone disagrees with an opinion of mine, or anyone else's, for that matter, then we can all enjoy a good discussion, (or even a debate). (How else are we to learn the truth, when the truth is not evident). However, if you are going to disagree with someone, be sure that there is at least some degree of logic in your attempt at refutation, and something substantial, to back up your claims. Repeating disinformation, is not usually beneficial, (and we all know that disinformation is extremely common on the net, especially pertaining to MC, and particularly in the field of "natural" treatments). We have to learn to pick out the wheat from the chaff, so to speak, or we spend unnecessary time being sick, because we ate too much chaff.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Tex,
All of your references are non medical. I did not give my "opinion" about Asprin, I got my information from standard medical references and gave you FACTS!!!!!! Get a PDR or any other drug book. Asprin is not classified as a NSAID in any of them!!!! All drugs are classified in different groups for a reason, so medical professionals can use the information of like drugs to relate to side effects and possible interactions. Classification of drugs is somewhat like the classification of species that the biological sciences uses, it's for a specific reason!!!!! Asprin has long been known to have unknown actions and does not fall in to any classification. Just because a drug in an antiinflamatory and is non steroidal it does not put it into the same class as the Cox inhibitors such as ibuprophen, naprosin, celebrex and others that have been taken off the market which are truly classified as NSAIDS!!!!. Asacol is also not classified as an NSAID, it is also in an unknown catagory much like asprin,(since it's action is also unknown) it is also a biproduct of the metabolisim of sulfasalazine. Your logic is incorrect!!!! Cox inhibitors are the durgs that have been classified as NSAIDS, although the articles you quote classify ASA as an NSAID, they use the term losely and might I add incorrectly.
I have read dozens of articles about MC from medical journals, not the internet, and no where has asprin been included in causing or making MC worse, but NSAIDS have been. I actually don't personally take any pain relievers on a regular basis, so you don't have to wish me luck with my MC. BTW I am in fairly good control with my MC in just a few short weeks, using a diet that you seem to think doesn't work. I just got back from 35 mile bike ride after riding 27 miles yesterday.
Wikepedia is not the gold standard for diagnosis or medical advice. As a matter of fact any one can post information on wikepedia, and at times has been proven to provide false information. Before you correct me or continue to practice medicine with out a license and give medical advice to people on this website with no medical background or any medical education you had better start to think twice. I have been quiet up until this point, your information may be helpful to some on this web site, but many times you have been outright diagnosing and prescribing medications. I will have no part of this web site any more!!!! You are outright dangerous with your "readers digest" information. There is a lot on information on the internet some of it good and some of it not so good. Before you continue to give medical advice, you might want to be getting it from more reliable medical sources instead of readers digest or wikepedia!!!!!! You might keep a guard up from the Texas Medical Board and have an attorney on retainer. In case you aren't aware you need a license to practice medicine.
KD
All of your references are non medical. I did not give my "opinion" about Asprin, I got my information from standard medical references and gave you FACTS!!!!!! Get a PDR or any other drug book. Asprin is not classified as a NSAID in any of them!!!! All drugs are classified in different groups for a reason, so medical professionals can use the information of like drugs to relate to side effects and possible interactions. Classification of drugs is somewhat like the classification of species that the biological sciences uses, it's for a specific reason!!!!! Asprin has long been known to have unknown actions and does not fall in to any classification. Just because a drug in an antiinflamatory and is non steroidal it does not put it into the same class as the Cox inhibitors such as ibuprophen, naprosin, celebrex and others that have been taken off the market which are truly classified as NSAIDS!!!!. Asacol is also not classified as an NSAID, it is also in an unknown catagory much like asprin,(since it's action is also unknown) it is also a biproduct of the metabolisim of sulfasalazine. Your logic is incorrect!!!! Cox inhibitors are the durgs that have been classified as NSAIDS, although the articles you quote classify ASA as an NSAID, they use the term losely and might I add incorrectly.
I have read dozens of articles about MC from medical journals, not the internet, and no where has asprin been included in causing or making MC worse, but NSAIDS have been. I actually don't personally take any pain relievers on a regular basis, so you don't have to wish me luck with my MC. BTW I am in fairly good control with my MC in just a few short weeks, using a diet that you seem to think doesn't work. I just got back from 35 mile bike ride after riding 27 miles yesterday.
Wikepedia is not the gold standard for diagnosis or medical advice. As a matter of fact any one can post information on wikepedia, and at times has been proven to provide false information. Before you correct me or continue to practice medicine with out a license and give medical advice to people on this website with no medical background or any medical education you had better start to think twice. I have been quiet up until this point, your information may be helpful to some on this web site, but many times you have been outright diagnosing and prescribing medications. I will have no part of this web site any more!!!! You are outright dangerous with your "readers digest" information. There is a lot on information on the internet some of it good and some of it not so good. Before you continue to give medical advice, you might want to be getting it from more reliable medical sources instead of readers digest or wikepedia!!!!!! You might keep a guard up from the Texas Medical Board and have an attorney on retainer. In case you aren't aware you need a license to practice medicine.
KD
From http://www.medicinenet.com/nonsteroidal ... rticle.htm
..........Aspirin (also an NSAID) is used to inhibit the clotting of blood and prevent strokes and heart attacks in individuals at high risk. NSAIDs also are included in many cold and allergy preparations.......................Aspirin is a unique NSAID, not only because of its many uses, but because it is the only NSAID that inhibits the clotting of blood for a prolonged period (4 to 7 days).
..........Aspirin (also an NSAID) is used to inhibit the clotting of blood and prevent strokes and heart attacks in individuals at high risk. NSAIDs also are included in many cold and allergy preparations.......................Aspirin is a unique NSAID, not only because of its many uses, but because it is the only NSAID that inhibits the clotting of blood for a prolonged period (4 to 7 days).
When the eagles are silent, the parrots begin to jabber"
-- Winston Churchill
-- Winston Churchill