... I had 90 days, and the condition was not fully healed (microscopic colitis) so I was given another 90 days worth
How long does it take for the Uceris to leave your system permanently and relieve the side effects?
Question posted by Al Flood on 6 April 2014
Last updated on 29 July 2016
Answers
Hi Al:
Like you, I have collagenous colitis and my gastro provider put me on a course of Budesonide for 3 months and then directly on Uceris for another 2 1/2 months back in 2012 through 2013. Uceris is Budesonide in an extended release form and is a corticosteroid. The manufacturer of Uceris indicates the drug should only be used for up to 8 weeks.
Subsequent to this five month stint on Budesonide and Uceris, I was diagnosed with cataracts. I also developed persistent sinus infections, rhinitis, yeast infections, acne and lower blood pressure. I was even informed by my dentist that a Lichenoid reaction was visible in my mouth. Steroid use was the presumed cause.
When I chatted with a pharmacist, he said the half life of Uceris is about 4 hrs, but should be completely eliminated from your system in 96 hrs. The problem with side effects is that the drugs effect on the body could take longer to resolve. It could be weeks or months-- Nobody seems to know.
These gastro docs are clueless or downright negligent when they prescribe Budesonide (Uceris) for extended periods of time beyond what the manufacturer recommends.
Thank you so much for your reply. I had Lymphocytic Colitis, aka 'Microscopic colitis', most commonly caused by the over use of PPI's, specifically Nexium. At the time of diagnosis, I was given Asacol, a Budesonide, for a month. There were no results, so the RX was changed to Uceris. At the end of the 90 day RX, I was instructed to "step down" from the corticosteroid by taking one every other day for a week, followed by one every 3 days for a week. A week after the end of the "step down" period, the symptoms returned, with a vengance, and I called the doctor. The secretary delivered my message, and called me back with the information that another RX of the Uceris, 90 days, had been called in to my pharmacy. That was the end of that... I am 42 days from the end of that course of RX, and have spoken to my pharmacist as to an appropriate "step down " period, after which, I am praying that this will be over.
I am in complete agreement that the 'gastro guys' are clueless. I go to a Gastro Clinic,and no one has EVER asked me what I eat, when, how much, etc. ??? It is all about the drugs, more, more, and more.
Thank you again for your response. Marya (Al's wife)
I am trying to find help my gastro has had me on Budesonide 9 mg for 6 years everyday. I went down to 3mg at the being of July i am now taking every other 3rd day. No help from the doctor i am doing this on my own. These drugs have destroyed my system my health my skin. I will see how it goes hopefully i can stay off them. As of today a lot of joint pain but I will get thru it. YES THE DOCTORS ARE CLULELESS they need to do a trail run on these meds
Related topics
Further information
- Uceris uses and safety info
- Uceris prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Uceris (detailed)