Steroid Dependent UC
Hi All, I've had UC since 1988 (yes, really). Over the years, I've taken different variations of Mesalamine, and have done well, with 1-2 flare-ups per year. With a flare, I typically take a low dose of Prednisone for about a week until it calms down.
However, for about a year now, the Mesalamine seems not to be working as I've been having flare-ups consistenly every month. It's gotten to where I'm on Prednisone for about a week to 10 days (40 mg) and then my UC calms down, but then about 2 weeks off the Prednisone, it flares back up again. This is WITH taking the Mesalamine too. Every month is like this - on/off.
From online research, it sounds like my UC is now steroid resistent - or more like dependent. Has this happened to anyone here?
My GI doctor now says I should try the biologic Skyrizi. I'm definitely willing to try it, but I'm concerned about the cost, and not even sure it'll work. Have any of you tried it?
Hello
, thanks for reaching out here. I can hear how frustrating it has been to have flare-ups consistently for months after such a long period of relatively few. The on/off with mesalamine and prednisone sounds like a tough place to be in. Unfortunately, it does happen where previously effective treatments become less effective over time, and I know we have community members with experience with this, so I hope they can chime in here.
As you mention Skyrizi, I did want to share that one of our health leaders has been on Skyrizi, she mentions her experience in this forum that you might be interested in (hers is the first reply), https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/forums/skyrizi. Also, some pharmaceutical companies offer patient assistance programs so it might be worth asking your doctor about this if you're concerned about cost.
I do hope that you can get some helpful feedback here! If you're comfortable, please keep us posted, whether you decide to try to the Skyrizi or end up on a different treatment path. Wishing you a gentle day. -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)
