As someone with IBD, I feel like so much of my time is spent trying new medications, experiencing their unique side effects, and then comparing and contrasting if they’re better or worse than the disease itself. (Have you ever felt this way?)
In January 2015, I was on the pills Apriso and Clarithromycin and experienced some uncomfortable side effects that, for me, were absolutely not worth it.
What are Apriso and Clarithromycin?
Apriso is a mesalamine, which means that the capsule’s contents are delayed (either by being placed in a specialized capsule or coated in a specific glaze) to be released specifically in the colon. Its purpose is to decrease the swelling of the colon, therefore reducing IBD’s symptoms of diarrhea, bleeding, and belly pain.
Inside my Apriso capsules, there were tiny, sprinkle-sized objects, and I heard them rattle in my throat as I swallowed them! It was an interesting experience.
Clarithromycin, sometimes known as Biaxin, is an antibiotic that stops the growth of bacteria in the stomach to treat stomach ulcers.
4 Irritating Side Effects I Experienced
For some people, Apriso and Clarithromycin work like a charm!
But in my case, I started noticing increasing stomach pain, lack of appetite, exhaustion, and overall just feeling crappy. Though these meds heavily reduced my colitis symptoms (particularly the diarrhea, so that was AMAZING!) the side effects started to affect my daily life.
1. Nausea
When I thought about food, nothing sounded appetizing at all.
Watching juicy burger commercials or hearing roasted veggies sizzle in the oven made me queasy. My typical go-to snack when I’m feeling sick is always something bland or easy to digest, like saltine crackers or Jamba Juice’s Strawberry Whirl™ Smoothie (absolute deliciousness).
But even these were hard to get down.
2. Lack of Appetite
Nausea, of course, led to a lack of appetite. I couldn’t even sit at the same table as saltine crackers or smoothies—and that’s saying something. I ate hardly anything for several days. Picking at a granola bar here and nibbling on crackers there, but that was pretty much the extent of my meals.
3. Low Energy
It goes without saying that when you don’t eat enough, you become exhausted, weak, and shaky. I had absolutely zero energy (luckily I was on Christmas break at the time!) so I did a lot of sleeping, relaxing, and watching TV with a hot water bottle on my stomach.
4. Malnutrition
The last consequence I suffered from this is lack of proper nutrition. I lost weight and definitely did not meet my daily recommended fruit and veggie intake.
My amazing then-boyfriend, now-husband, Tyler, and his aunt (one of the best cooks I know!) made me an indescribably delicious pea soup that I was able to tolerate. In fact, I was able to gobble down a whole bowlful. Unfortunately, it was one of the very few foods that I could handle, so despite this delicious meal, the side effects remained.
2 Major Ways These Side Effects Impacted My Daily Life
Fortunately, during this time I was on Christmas break at my parents’ house instead of at my apartment at William Jessup University, so I was able to relax and try to wait out these negative reactions.
But, as life would have it, my first day of a brand new internship was coming up in early January.
And I was STOKED about starting this internship as a business analyst. It would be my first “big girl” job in an office setting where I’d have my very own desk and get to wear heels and professional business attire every day!
I envisioned it all: I’d walk in on my first day excited, knowledgeable, spunky, confident, with my hand eagerly outstretched to introduce myself to everyone I meet.
Then I’d grab my cup of coffee, set it on my very own coaster at my very own desk, and start that day’s research, writing, and data analysis.
1. My Job
As you can imagine, things didn’t turn out the way I envisioned. The first week was rough, to say the least. I walked into the office on an empty stomach, tummy growling but simultaneously still nauseated.
I still outstretched my hand to meet all my new coworkers, but I’d quickly withdraw or grip more tightly than normal to hide their shakiness from lack of energy.
I said no thanks to the coffee and the complimentary snacks in the kitchen.
I’d sit at my desk, my heart begging my brain to clear, to focus, so I could learn and thrive and enjoy this opportunity. But I’d stare at the screen, eyes glazed over, wishing that I could eat the crackers I packed in my purse in the off-chance my stomach might welcome them.
2. My emotional health
I remember feeling really guilty, wishing I could be fully present.
During my end-of-the-week meetings with my supervisor, I had to muster up all the energy I could to think clearly and discuss what I accomplished this week. I did let her know I was going through medical stuff, but I still felt like I was letting my team down with my depleted energy and sick stomach.
After about a week of pain, lack of focus, and inopportune stomach growling, it was time to see my GI. I had waited long enough for the side effects to die down, to no avail.
Telling My Doctor About These Side Effects
After explaining the severity of these side effects and the toll they were taking on my personal and professional life, my GI immediately took me off these pills. She did, however, keep me on prednisone until we found a different maintenance drug.
And pretty soon after stopping Apriso and Clarithromycin, my appetite came back and I walked back into the office feeling energized, excited, and ready to learn, grow, and give.
What To Do If You Experience Side Effects
Just because these meds didn’t work for me doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t work for you.
My only suggestion is to listen to your body and to the medication instructions. And don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor if you believe the side effects outweigh the disease itself.
Because, as IBD patients, we sometimes can feel like we’re living experiments—trying new meds to see what works and what doesn’t. But whether you go through one or a hundred, it’ll worth it because it brings you one step closer to your solution; we sometimes have to kiss many frogs to find the prince.
Just be open in your communication with your doctor and your support system, and the trials will be worth it in the end.
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