Biologics and Bowel symptoms

[Whezziewhoozie]

Does anyone experience bowel Symptoms On biologics? I occasionally feel sick and have tummy ache and trapped wind that gets very painful. Just wondering if anyone else experiences this and what do you do to relieve the symptoms?

[AgedCrone]

TBH, I think a lot of people experience bowel problems on all sorts of RA drugs.But it’s the same old story - you don’t know until you try a drug if it’s going to affect you that way.Why don’t you have a word with the pharmacist who dispenses any other medication  you are taking ….it may be a case of reacting with one of those and not the actual biologic that’s the problem? Hope you get things sorted out soon.

[Deeb1764]

oh yes but as Ac a lot of us do so could be medication or part of the RA world.

[Amnesiac3637]

Funny you should ask that………

Since I’ve been on Tocilizumab (injections) my bowel has not been as it should. Had much looser stools, wind and sometimes diarrhoea since I started it 14 weeks ago. I’m also on a slightly higher dose of steroids -10mgs instead of my usual 7.5 as it hasn’t made a huge difference to my RA . My GP has now done some tests as of course looser stools can be a red flag in a 70 year old so we’re waiting to see what come of this but it’s no co-incidence that I didn’t have this problem before this drug. My stomach has also been gripey so along with swigging Peptac and taking stomach protection anyway, I’m also taking Immodium on and off. Hey ho. If the disease doesn’t get you the drugs do!

Hope you get sorted out. It’s no fun having to put up with other bits of you going wrong. Check with your team or your GP if it continues as it may not be the drug but it probably is. It’ll be interesting to see if anyone else posts with the same thing.

[Madmusiclover]

I had IBS long before rheumatoid. I’ve learned to control it with diet and lifestyle. And one or two magic pills from the GP

[Jackie1947 in reply to Madmusiclover]

My trigger is stress. Tried all prescription drugs but daily immoduim helps as suggested by GP and peppermint oil tablets.

[Juliachoo]

I have IBS & am prescribed mebeverine it does help xx

[Jackie1947 in reply to Juliachoo]

i found peppermint oil tablets worked better for

[nomoreheels]

For the interim peppermint oil capsules may ease trapped wind. My h prefers those, I buy ours from Holland & Barrett. Also, I was recommended Wind-eze by the nurse looking after me following one of my endoscopies, they work well. I prefer the chewable if that helps at all?

[Chrissycl in reply to nomoreheels]

peppermint tea and honey helps

[nomoreheels in reply to Chrissycl]

We have peppermint tea after our lunch & evening meal. It's really calming. My h likes honey, always has some in but I’m not as keen. That's a lie, I like Spanish bosque honey.

[Hidden]

Hi I also get a lot of stomach and bowel problems. I drink peppermint tea and eat a lot of mints! Mint crumbles and mint imperials (I buy these from Poundland if you're in the UK - they're nice) They help ease the discomfort. I'm turning into my Gran! She was poorly with RA and always had a bag of Pan drops by her side.

Take care 💐

[smilelines]

I would talk to your doctor if it gets worse. I notice on commercials that these types of problems are listed as risks when they mention side effects. I know methotrexate was toxic to my system and my symptoms got worse and worse.

[Jan101050]

I have PsA and on methotrexate and Taltz. I also have diverticulitis and a very painful swollen tummy. My rheumatologist doesn’t thing the biologic is making it worse but I am having investigations from my GP. I have agreed to stay on Taltz until next April. Who knows just a tad fed up with it all. I would like a break from biologics as I do think it upsets my diverticulitis. Anyone else have this problem ?

[Hidden]

Hi Whezziewhoozie,

If you suspect side effects to any medication you are on this should be discussed with your rheumatology team as soon as possible.

It's also encouraged for patients to report side effects. Find out more on how to do this (and where to find out more about collected data on medication side effects) here: nras.org.uk/resource/report...

Wishing you all the best,

Hannah - NRAS Information and support coordinator