Mesalazine…or not?

[Malachy12]

Hello, new on here. Lifelong IBS but colonoscopy in 2020 showed mild IBD. Haven’t needed any medication yet. My specialist has suggested I start taking Mesalazine but I’m worried. My ferritin is high and my white blood cells are low and my calprotectin is now normal. She said it might help lower the ferritin but I am concerned about my white blood cells and it making things worse. My symptoms aren’t bad and probably due to IBS anyway. Does anyone have any comments about the pros and cons of this medication? Thanks.

[bantam12]

Well I’ve been on it for 25 years, kept me in remission and never caused me any problems and I wouldn’t ever stop taking it.

But it’s your choice whether you start taking it or wait and see how you progress without meds.

[Malachy12 in reply to bantam12]

Thank you. So pleased it helps you 😊

[Newark53]

I started taking it earlier this year with budoneside, the difference it has made is phenomenal and I can lead an almost “normal” life not tied to being near to a toilet at all times! It’s not caused me any problems and it’s certainly worth a try.

[Malachy12 in reply to Newark53]

Thanks that’s good to hear. Glad it’s helping you

[Bulldoguk]

I use this only when I have a flare up, I wouldn’t take it all the time

[Malachy12 in reply to Bulldoguk]

That’s good to hear, I thought you had to take it long term. I’m coming to the conclusion that I don’t need it at the moment as, fortunately, I am managing to live quite normally. It might be something to consider if symptoms worsen. Thanks for your response.

[Mccamer]

Hi Malachy12. I have been taking mesalamine, along with budesonide, for more than a year now as I am still not in a complete remission. I am finding that contrarily to the first time I successfully used those medicines, I am experiencing side effects such as headaches, nausea, itching, bruising and more importantly, osteoporosis (budesonide). Consequently, like Bulldoguk, I would recommend that you only use those medicines when you have a flare up.

[Malachy12 in reply to Mccamer]

Thanks. I hope you feel better soon and the side effects can be managed.