Community Forum

Have a question, or want to share your own tips and experiences? Join the discussion in the community forum. You must be registered to participate. Our forums are moderated by Crohn's & Colitis Foundation staff to facilitate a safe environment.

Budesonide to treat a UC flare


Sun, January 27, 2019 9:46 AM

I was recently prescribed 9mg every morning (by mouth) of budesonide to treat my current flare. It's been two weeks and I haven't seen any improvement. Does anybody have experience with this drug and UC flares? I'd love any info on how it worked, how long it took, and any side effects you may have experienced. Thanks so much. 

FPO Jason A
Joined Jan 27, 2019

Sat, March 02, 2019 3:28 PM

Reply posted for Rose9.

Hi Rose and Jason, I was diagnosed with UC in 2009. I have taken Budesonide to treat UC flares a few times since diagnosis. I start with 3 pills/day for 3 weeks, 2/day for 3wks, and 1/day for 3 weeks. It usually takes about 3 to 5 days for things to settle down for me in the past. I am going through a flare now and I am on day 4. Things have slowed down and the cramping has stopped but it is not in remission, yet. I am going through a lot of personal issues with home life since January 5 and I believe the stress plays a big part in my experience. I let the symptoms go on way too long (3 weeks) before going to the doctor. That was not the right decision to make. My doctor reminded me to call when there is a change and not "live" with the pain and discomfort. (I think with UC we learn to live with lots of pain and discomfort.) I do not have experience with prednisone for UC. I was once placed on 2mg of prednisone for a week for lupus treatment and it worked well. I would not agree to take it for a long period of time.

FPO Patricia Hays
Joined Mar 2, 2019

Sun, February 10, 2019 7:02 PM

Reply posted for Jason A.

Budesonide did not work for me. Saw relief after 1 day on prednisone. 

FPO Aprilb
Joined Jan 12, 2019

Fri, February 01, 2019 6:10 AM

Reply posted for Rose9.

Quick Update:

After 2 weeks on the Budesonide with no improvement the doctor opted to switch me to Prednisone. I've never taken Prednisone and I'm concerned about all the side effects but I guess if it clears this flare it will be worth it. 

FPO Jason A
Joined Jan 27, 2019

Tue, January 29, 2019 8:40 PM

Reply posted for Jason A.

I am on day 13 of Budesonide 9mg daily too for Crohn's Colitis flare. Have seen a small improvement but not as much as i had hoped or have had in the past on this drug. My Dr has mentioned switching to Pred but I hope that this works instead.

FPO Rose9
Joined Jan 29, 2019

Tue, January 29, 2019 8:40 PM

Reply posted for Jason A.

I am on day 13 of Budesonide 9mg daily too for Crohn's Colitis flare. Have seen a small improvement but not as much as i had hoped or have had in the past on this drug. My Dr has mentioned switching to Pred but I hope that this works instead.

FPO Rose9
Joined Jan 29, 2019

Related Topics

Crohns without major symp...
Author Image Aspringer
Joined Nov 4, 2020

30 years ago I was diagnosed with Crohns. This is ....

read more

Wish I could just give up...
Author Image Jinxed
Joined Feb 28, 2021

I have had UC for over 40 years. Been thru a lot, ....

read more

Joint pain
Author Image muleroof
Joined Sep 19, 2021

 I've had migrating arthritic pains in th....

read more