Steroids are often prescribed to induce remission in people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, there are alternatives to oral steroids that can be used to achieve the same results. Enteral nutrition, a special diet that only contains fluids, can be used as an alternative to steroids. This approach may be especially helpful for children when there is concern that steroids may affect growth.
In adults, studies show that steroids work better at inducing remission than enteral therapy, but liquid diets or supplements can be used to support nutrition.If you prefer to try the liquid diet approach, discuss this with your IBD team. Many people don't take prednisone for long periods of time. Unfortunately, it's unlikely that something currently available can completely replace it, but sometimes some medications are also used to reduce prednisone dependence. These include methotrexate, Arava, and anti-TNF drugs such as Enbrel, Humira and Remicade.These medications are very potent and should be used with caution, but can sometimes have good effects when taken in small amounts or as a short-term alternative to prednisone.
Deflazacort (Calcort-Shire) is an oral corticosteroid authorized for use in adults and children. When deflazacort first became available last year, the manufacturer stated that the drug had a lower incidence of steroid-induced unwanted effects compared to prednisolone. However, this statement was later withdrawn at the request of the Drug Control Agency after its review of the cited data.Current promotional material simply states that deflazacort is a new oral steroid option. Here we discuss whether deflazacort offers any advantages over established corticosteroid treatment.Other medications and substances with which corticosteroids may interact depend largely on the type you use.
However, it is important to note that there are many potential drug interactions for any corticosteroid, especially oral formulations. Be sure to tell your doctor about all the prescription medications you're taking, as well as about over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies. Be sure to talk to your doctor before stopping or replacing the corticosteroid, especially if you take it by mouth.If you want to stop taking the medication, your doctor should stop taking the medication slowly so that you don't suffer side effects or put too much pressure on your kidneys. It is likely that there will not be a completely safe dose.According to clinical studies, the long-term side effects of prednisone have been increasingly recognized.
Osteoporosis, increased risk of heart disease, increased risk of infections, and weight gain are associated with the use of low doses of prednisone. Medications such as methotrexate, Arava, and anti-TNF drugs (Enbrel, Humira, Remicade) are used to try to reduce prednisone.A combination of inhaled steroids and antihistamines (medicines that block the action of histamines, which can cause itching, sneezing, and watery eyes) or antileukotrienes (medicines that inhibit the action of substances called leukotrienes, which cause asthma symptoms) is likely to be extremely effective for you and reduce the need for oral steroids.LA JOLLA, CA A new class of anti-inflammatory drugs could one day serve as an alternative to steroid medications and possibly help avoid the serious side effects of steroids, according to research findings from the Salk Institute for Biological Studies.When considering alternatives to oral steroids for IBD treatment, it is important to weigh all options carefully. Enteral nutrition can be an effective way to induce remission without using steroids. Additionally, other medications such as methotrexate and anti-TNF drugs may be used in combination with inhaled steroids and antihistamines or antileukotrienes in order to reduce reliance on oral steroids.
Finally, deflazacort may offer some advantages over established corticosteroid treatment but further research is needed in order to determine its efficacy.
