tapering Budesonide

[akawow]

I've been on Budesonide and it has really helped. I started w/ 9 mg/day for 30days, then 6 mg for 30 days, now 3 mg for 30 days. then I am supposed to quit and see what happens.
This does not sound promising from what I've read, so I am wondering if w/ my last 30 pills I should start the every other day thing.??

Also I read about taking antihistamines in between doses, but can't find info on what antihistamine.
I'd appreciate some advice
Thanks!

[tex]

if I were in a similar situation, with only 30 capsules remaining (assuming that I was in remission), I believe I would take one a day for a couple of weeks, then take one every other day for a couple of weeks, then take one every third day, etc., until I used all of them in a continuing taper.

The anti-histamine option can be used in lieu of the extended taper after following the doctors prescribed plan. Taking an antihistamine in place of the budesonide capsules each day has basically the same effect if it's continued for a couple of weeks or so. I'm not sure the brand of antihistamine is particularly important, as long as it's normally effective for you.

Here's the reason why an antihistamine can be used:

Corticosteroids reduce inflammation by suppressing mast cell activity. When a budesonide treatment is ended, mast cell activity rebounds, and this can trigger a relapse. The antihistamine simply prevents a mast cell rebound, thereby minimizing the risk of a relapse due to ending the budesonide taper too soon.

Tex

[akawow]

I really appreciate the advice, Tex. Thank you so much for all the time and effort you put into helping us all out. It is invaluable.

[akawow]

So what exactly qualifies as remission?

[tex]

Most people have their own unique definition of remission. My definition of remission is when all the symptoms of MC have faded away, and bowel habit patterns have returned to What they were before MC came along (allowing for changes of texture and composition due to the diet changes that have been made, since diet has a big effect on stool characteristics).

Tex

[Gabes-Apg]

my definition of remission is minimal symptoms most of the time

this is not just poop status, it applies to things like joint pain, fatigue, discomfort in the digestion, histamine issues etc

I have multiple auto immune issues, stress was and still remains one of my main triggers.
It takes a fair bit of mental and emotional energy to be 'well' and have minimal symptoms