Microscopic Colitis

Posted by ymoreno2 @ymoreno2, Apr 25, 2023

To the person who posted that charcoal pills stopped diarrhea, a thousand thanks.
I was diagnosed with microscopic colitis. I took Budesonide for a little over two months, and it was wonderful. After about a month after stopping, I started getting diarrhea and cramping again. After two months the diarrhea was every day. The Imodium never helped. After seeing the post, I added two charcoal pills before meals and no more diarrhea. Thanks for posting.

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kjane322 | @kjane322 | Aug 23 7:40pm

In reply to @1961deb "Be careful not to over do Tylenol, as well. It can cause liver damage." + (show)

Yes, I have heard that. 🫤

Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Aug 25 2:39pm

Hi - As you mentioned ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) in discussion here, I thought I'd post some Mayo Clinic information on these medications, which you will note includes side effects:

- Ibuprofen (oral route) https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/ibuprofen-oral-route/description/drg-20070602

- Acetaminophen (oral route, rectal route) https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/acetaminophen-oral-route-rectal-route/description/drg-20068480

piemonte | @piemonte | Sep 3 8:46am

I was diagnosed with microscopic colitis in June 2025. I’m tapering off 90 days of budesonide and have more gas, bloating and loose stools now that I’m down to 1 capsule/day.

Can anyone share what diet and medications have helped them deal with this?

Elaine

seniormed | @seniormed | Sep 3 10:25am

In reply to @piemonte "I was diagnosed with microscopic colitis in June 2025. I’m tapering off 90 days of budesonide..." + (show)

Have you tried bismuth subsalicyate or colestipol.?

piemonte | @piemonte | Sep 3 12:42pm

In reply to @piemonte "I was diagnosed with microscopic colitis in June 2025. I’m tapering off 90 days of budesonide..." + (show)

No, just budesonide.
Elaine

Janell, Volunteer Mentor | @jlharsh | Sep 3 8:25pm

In reply to @piemonte "I was diagnosed with microscopic colitis in June 2025. I’m tapering off 90 days of budesonide..." + (show)

Hi @piemonte.

If you haven’t done so Mayo Clinic has a nice overview you can take a look at. The section on treatments addresses both diet and medications. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/microscopic-colitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351483

Which type of colitis do you have?

1961deb | @1961deb | Sep 4 3:45pm

In reply to @piemonte "I was diagnosed with microscopic colitis in June 2025. I’m tapering off 90 days of budesonide..." + (show)

Budesonide works great for me, but when I taper off, the diarrhea starts again shortly after. Work with your doctor. They might try different dose management. For example now I am on 3 months-3 pills. 3 months- 2 pills, and 3 months 1 pill. If that doesn’t work better, I will have to stay on the lowest dose that works forever. If you Google this disease (mine is Collagenous colitis which is one type) you can see what is recommended for diet. Good luck. Hang in there. I know how frustrating and embarrassing this is.

piemonte | @piemonte | Sep 4 6:11pm

In reply to @piemonte "I was diagnosed with microscopic colitis in June 2025. I’m tapering off 90 days of budesonide..." + (show)

Thank you! It is frustrating and embarrassing.

I’ve been on a 90 day course of budesonide. This month I’m down to 1 pill per day. As long as I eat a “clean” diet I have been fine.

Thankfully my GI PA is great and is willing to work with me.

I appreciate your reply.

piemonte | @piemonte | Sep 5 8:55am

In reply to @piemonte "I was diagnosed with microscopic colitis in June 2025. I’m tapering off 90 days of budesonide..." + (show)

1961deb
Do you ever have flu like symptoms, feeling feverish but no fever, and extreme fatigue?

I don’t know if this malaise is related to MC or side effects of budesonide.

I will discuss with my doctor. It would be interesting to know if others with MC have had similar symptoms.

mollygirl3179 | @mollygirl3179 | Sep 5 9:58am

In reply to @piemonte "I was diagnosed with microscopic colitis in June 2025. I’m tapering off 90 days of budesonide..." + (show)

I've had MC for 24 years and have been on and off Budesonide many times. I never had the symptoms you describe until I got C-diff in 2024 during a flare. Since then I've had intermittent fever, flu like symptoms, nausea and fatigue with each flare. Several times I thought I might have C-diff again, but tests were negative. My doc can't figure that one out. The symptoms mimic C-Diff.