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Has anybody taken Uceris? I've heard it is supposed to have a lower risk of side effects or none at all. Also, after my initial diagnosis on January 1, 2014, I haven't had any flares, but lately I've been really cramping and had to run to the bathroom twice yesterday with trace amounts of blood, but the night before, I had a normal stool but there was a bit of blood. How do I know if I am starting to flare? I don't want to take a steroid to treat a flare if I am not flaring. Thanks!

Reply posted for metaldanielle.

I just started Budesonide ER Three days ago and am experiencing mild side effects such as nausea and a slight headache. I know these must be side effects since I rarely have them otherwise. Also my sleep was in "spurts" last night. This used to happen years ago until I got it under control with supplements and a regular bedtime routine. I wasn't able to get refreshing sleep. It is still early in the Budesonine ER protocol and I am hoping things will settle down after I've been on it for a while. I appreciate reading about other patient's experiences and wish everyone well.

 Reply posted for slh579.

I understand that the funding board for this CCFA website is made up of big pharma Directors.  I work with Dr. Pam Popper with the Wellness Forum in Columbus, OH.  Her specialty is GI Disorders & she has been treating Crohns and Colitis for 13 years.  In 13 years, no patients have gone into remission.  There need not be this suffering, drug side effects, misunderstanding or the immense costs associated with this condition.  My email is rafole@wellnessforum.com  - - let us help you or your loved one

 Reply posted for slh579.

Budesonide (Entocort) is new to me -- on it one month now for my first Crohn's flare-up after 7 years of remission (and no meds). Last time I flared, I took prednisone for nearly 9 months with a bunch of other meds. until I ultimately had to go on Remicade for 2 years. Anyway, Prednisone has more side effects, though this Budesonide still makes me hungry and irritable, just not as bad as I remember with pred. It definitely is working to calm the flare, I just don't know if it will fully arrest it, or if I can successfully wean. Tomorrow I see the GI doc to learn what new meds (prob ASAs) I will start in an attempt to wean off Budesonide. 
Good luck.

 Reply posted for slh579.

I have been on both.  Unfortunately budesonide didn't work for me at all and I got pregnant so they had to get my flare under control so I had to be put on prednisone.  I was on 40mg for 26 weeks but didn't really notice any side effects.  Good luck!

 Reply posted for slh579.

Budesonide didn't help me at all with my flare up and gave me side effects like sweating a lot

 Reply posted for slh579.

My doctor put me on Uceris the last time I was flaring. Much milder than Prednisone and it worked for me. Also ask them about Marinol. It helps me tremedously.  Really calms down my guts.

 Reply posted for slh579.

I have been on & off of steroids for UC flares for several years and my doctor is concerned about the long term effects of the steroids so she took me off of the 10 mg of prednisone that I was taking each day and switched me to the 9 mg Uceris tablets.  I didn't notice a significant difference in symptoms which was good because prednisone has caused numerous side effects for me including insomnia, depression, anxiety, etc.  I did not experience any side effects while on Uceris.  Now I am on 6 mg of Entocort per day because my doctor wants to taper me off of steroids all together (she is still concerned about the long term effects of steroids in general).  I think that sometimes prednisone is necessary because it is probably stronger and maybe can be taken in higher doses but it also seems to come with a lot more side effects.  I was happy with the Uceris because at least I didn't have any side effects but unfortunately I am still experiencing the same symptoms, it didn't make me better but it also didn't seem to make me worse.  Everyone is different though so I am sure that it helps some people more than others. 

 Reply posted for slh579.

I've had Prednisone, Entocort, Uceris...etc.  Entocort and Uceris have milder side effects.  For me, insomnia (but not as bad as with Prednisone).  Unfortunately, the Uceris didn't work all that well for me.  Budesonide isn't all that strong.

 Reply posted for slh579.

Only you and your doctor can tell if you are in a flare or not, but I can tell you that in terms of side-effects, Uceris is mild. I'm extremely sensitive to side-effects and I'm having next to none. Just some trouble staying asleep.

 Reply posted for slh579.

Everyone's flare ups r differet. In time you will be able to tell when a flare is about to start. I am starting Uceris tomorrow.