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Suggest Medication To Replace Sulfasalazine And Mesalamine For Diarrhea

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Posted on Mon, 25 Sep 2017
Question: I have been diagnosed with UC. Dr. has prescribed a time-released mesalamine (Apriso) as a maintenance medication. However, when I take even a 1/4 dose, I experience voluminous liquified and frequent (up to several time per HOUR!) diarhea.
I had tried Sulfasalazine just before the Apriso. I experienced voluminous liquified (flourescent yellow) and diarhea. The Dr. surmised that I might be alergic to the sulfur in the medication and switched me to Apriso.

The diarrhea (in both cases) appears to be associated with the mesalamine. As a case in point, if I take a Prednisone course, all is well and I experience nearly normal bowel activity and NO diarrhea.

What can I take as a maintenance medication without experiencing debilitating diarrhea??
Joe//
YYYY@YYYY
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Infliximab

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for query


Infliximab, a monoclonal anti-TNF-α antibody, is commonly used for treatment of moderate to severe UC.TNF-α isinvolved in inflammatory responses.In the intestine, the direct effects of TNF-α on intestinal epithelium include disruption of the epithelial barrier, induction of apoptosis(programmed death of cells) of epithelial cells.
-5 mg/kg body weight could be started by your gastroenterologist and would help you with symptoms but you would ned a prescription for that.
Despite major advancements in medical therapy, treatment options for patients with moderate to severe UC remain limited. Steroids are highly effective but due to number of severe side effects can't be given continously. The other remaining medical treatment option for patients with severe UC is the addition of cyclosporine. Although considered to be highly effective in inducing remission, It has a narrow therapeutic index with potentially serious side effects necessitating close monitoring of cyclosporine blood levels.

Please discuss the option with your gastro.
Thanks.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
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Answered by
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Dr. Ramesh Kumar

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :1986

Answered : 2906 Questions

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Suggest Medication To Replace Sulfasalazine And Mesalamine For Diarrhea

Brief Answer: Infliximab Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for query Infliximab, a monoclonal anti-TNF-α antibody, is commonly used for treatment of moderate to severe UC.TNF-α isinvolved in inflammatory responses.In the intestine, the direct effects of TNF-α on intestinal epithelium include disruption of the epithelial barrier, induction of apoptosis(programmed death of cells) of epithelial cells. -5 mg/kg body weight could be started by your gastroenterologist and would help you with symptoms but you would ned a prescription for that. Despite major advancements in medical therapy, treatment options for patients with moderate to severe UC remain limited. Steroids are highly effective but due to number of severe side effects can't be given continously. The other remaining medical treatment option for patients with severe UC is the addition of cyclosporine. Although considered to be highly effective in inducing remission, It has a narrow therapeutic index with potentially serious side effects necessitating close monitoring of cyclosporine blood levels. Please discuss the option with your gastro. Thanks.