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Ulcerative Colitis and Mesalazine side effects

Posted , 3 users are following.

cjb106
cjb106

I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in Oct 2015 and prescribed 30mg Prednisolone and 4g oral Pentasa Mesalazine per day. I was done with the Prednisolone by Christmas and have continued with 2g Mesalazine pd occasionally supplemented with 1g of Pentasa Mesalazine by suppository as the inflammation seems most stubborn lowest down and constant visits to the bathroom gave me a painful bout of haemerroids. All this seems to have settled down now. Stools are now formed and I only need to go to the bathroom once a day. I really did think that things were much better. I had been seeing my consutant monthly but last time he said I do not need to see him for another four months.

However, these last two weeks I have suffered from awful feelings of nausea and painful gas in the oesophagus - alleviated by burping but pretty much plaguing me throughout the day as do the feelings of nausea. There is no burning or taste of acid just a feeling of pressure.

I do have a hiatus hernia which was diagnosed several years ago but don’t take proton pump inhibitors. I never got on with them and learned how to control the symptoms with diet. I have not changed my diet in any way and am wondering if the feelings of nausea and gas are to do with the Mesalazine. From the notes in the drug packet I see that these symptoms can be a side effect of the drug but it perplexes me that these symptoms have started now over six months after starting the drug. Does it build up in the system and could that be a reason for these symptoms to have started now? Has anyone else experienced this and can throw some light? Thank you.

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • DanLabGray
    DanLabGray cjb106

    Posted

    Hi, Iv been on oral and enema mesalasine for the last three years, and never had any gas or nausiea myself. Sound s like its unlikely to connect so long after statring the drug as well. Would make sense t me that the hernia could be giving you a bit of Jip? Sound s more liike a Upper GI issue and unikely to be the mesalasine. Maybe you can tolerate a particular food group any more?

    Are there any environmental changes preceeding the new symptoms? More stress? changes at work / home?

    ​Hope it sorts itself out or you find solution. Cracking that the UC sounds under control and in remission!

    • cjb106
      cjb106 DanLabGray

      Posted

      Thank you. No environmental changes that I can think of. I have gained a few pounds since last Oct as usually I eat a diet rich in fruit and vegetables and take lots of exercise but consultant said I should go very low fibre. That made me feel sluggish and combined with the fatigue that came with the initial UC flare and coming off the steriods made me less active than usual. My energy levels are improving but no where near back to how I was before I got UC. So maybe those few pounds and being more sedentary has aggravated the HH. I wondered about stopping the mesalazine for a few days to see if it made a difference but I don't want to do anything that could trigger another UC flare.
    • Nita777
      Nita777 cjb106

      Posted

      I agree, it would seem unlikely to be the mesalazine this far in, more likely to be upper tract it HH. Do you have a specialist Gastro nurse you can call? I have a number to call in between visits to my consutant if need be, it's invaluable.

      I had a similar issue myself, although I do not have a HH, I was prescribed another drug to take when the symptoms were worse. Talk to a specialist if you are able, failing that try your GP. Good luck.

    • cjb106
      cjb106 Nita777

      Posted

      Thank you. My UC consultant always says to call his secretary if I have any problems between visits and he will fit me for an extra appt so I could do that. May I ask what you are prescribed? Wondering if there is an over the counter medicine i could try. I've tried ginger tea as I thought that was supposed to be good for nausea but it's not making any difference.
    • Nita777
      Nita777 cjb106

      Posted

      I take 2g pentasa mesalazine, mercaptopurine and allopurinol which helps to absorb the Merc'. I take half a tablet every other day of the mercaptopurine as any more effects my liver. X
    • Nita777
      Nita777

      Posted

      I can't remember what I was prescribed for the upper Gastro tract, I agent take any I awhile it I will look it up as I still have some pills left. I can't check until tomorrow though.
    • Nita777
      Nita777

      Posted

      Omaprazole - need to check the spelling
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