Problems with budesonide

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SKPurcell
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Problems with budesonide

Post by SKPurcell »

I started taking budesonide on Sunday - 3 tablets a day. Today (Tuesday) my symptoms have worsened. Extreme WD multiple times throughout the day (previously I only had morning D). Is it possible that the medication has actually worsened my condition rather than improving it or is this just a coincidence?? I’ve tried speaking to my doctor but she isn’t available until Friday and the thought of taking a medication that could be making things worse for that long is not pleasant.

I know you’re not supposed to suddenly stop taking budesonide but I’ve only used it for 2.5 days - is it ok to stop??

I know no-one is a doctor here but Im hoping someone may have personal experience with this.

Thanks again,

Sarah
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tex
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Post by tex »

Hi Sarah,

Yes, it's certainly possible. Budesonide doesn't work for everyone, and as I recall, diarrhea is listed as a possible side effect on the label. However, take note of whether or not you have any additional virus symptoms because now and then some other issue throws us a curve and confuses the issue. That said, you wouldn't be the first member here who reacted adversely to Budesonide. Budesonide can have a residual effect for a few days, but if you stop taking it and your symptoms return to your previous state in a few days, the problem was probably caused by the budesonide.

Tex
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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.
SKPurcell
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Post by SKPurcell »

Thanks Tex (again!),

I’ve stopped it, now I’ll see what happens. I truly believe it was the meds worsening my symptoms. It may be some of the “extra” ingredients in the medication weren’t agreeing with me. The brand I was prescribed has lactose (and sucrose) as well as sodium lauryl sulfate (I didn’t know that was “edible”!!) and some colouring. I was shocked at the extras.

Sarah

PS. I’ve been reading through the PDF you sent me. It’s so good! All the information is really helpful and making so much sense. Thanks again!
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tex
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Post by tex »

Sarah,

If it contains lactose, whoever specified the ingredients for that version must know virtually nothing about the human digestive system, because anytime the intestines are inflamed, they quickly become lactose intolerant. That's true of any issue, including the flu, and definitely including all inflammatory bowel diseases.

So yes, that "medication" was probably the problem. A version without lactose might work for you. I'm appalled that your GI doc didn't realize that when she wrote the prescription. I can't help but wonder about her success rate at treating patients.

I'm glad you're enjoying the book. I hope you'll find it very helpful.

Tex
:cowboy:

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.
SKPurcell
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Post by SKPurcell »

Yeah I was pretty ticked off when I realised that it contained lactose. Especially after spending $125AUD. I’m also mad at myself for forgetting to ask for dairy free. I always check that it’s gluten free having been coeliac for more than 10 years now but the dairy free is new to me so I forgot.

As for my GI, she was pretty adamant that diet wouldn’t “fix” me so I’m not surprised she hasn’t registered that the medication contained unwanted ingredients.

I’ll be going it alone now I think (with the help of this forum). I’ve got my diagnosis which is all I think the gastroenterologist is good for!

Sarah
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tex
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Post by tex »

You can do it. And if/when you have a few bad days, don't let it worry you because that's typical for most of us during our journey to recovery. If you need any inspiration on those days, you can read a few of the Member Success Stories.

:goodonya: during your recovery.

Tex
:cowboy:

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.
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