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What is the difference between pentasa and asacol

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 9/10/2007 1:10 PM (GMT -6)
My new doctor wants to switch me to asacol because you can go on a higher dose and for ease of taking.  I have been on pentasa for 2 weeks now.  I am trying to find out the difference between the two.  My crohn's is in the terminal ileum.  Is there one that people have found more effective for their disease?

Thanks

Posted 9/10/2007 1:12 PM (GMT -6)
Before my resections I always took Pentasa. Since both of my resections I now take Asacol. The Asacol doesn't dissolve until its further in your system. I have done well on both.
Posted 9/10/2007 1:16 PM (GMT -6)
Nikki - I have been on both and had better results with Pentasa. I don't think two weeks is enough time to know if it is working or not. Are you having problems with the Pentasa?
Posted 9/10/2007 5:36 PM (GMT -6)
I too have Crohn's in the TI. I was on Pentasa for a month and did wonderful. My Dr. switched me to Lialda because it was just once a day and only 3 pills as opposed to 2 pills 4 times a day. It was horrible! After a week I was completely back to square one! A week ago I switched back to Pentasa and am loving life again. If you are not having problems with the Pentasa then I think you should wait atleast a few more weeks to really see how you do with it! Hope you get better soon.
Posted 9/10/2007 7:51 PM (GMT -6)
Prior to the pentasa (when they thought I had c.difficile infection) I was on a very high fiber diet which probably led to my getting all the inlfammation. I had some formed stools although they were thin. Since pentasa and no high fiber diet sort of a bland diet my diarrhea is so bad. I read that you should see a marked or significant improvement in diarrhea with the pentassa by 2 weeks. I am just worried that my ti will narrow even more!! Did your diarrhea go away quickly?
Thanks!!!
Posted 9/10/2007 8:23 PM (GMT -6)
I have taken both pentasa and asocal. As I understand it they are basically the same drug but with a different binder (this is what my GI told me). The pentasa worked better for me but made my hair fall out. The Asocal gave me stomach cramps and bloated with major gas, it also made my hair fall out. I am now taking Colazal which is also the same class of drug but in combination with folic acid the hair loss has slowed down and I am feeling prettty good. In general it all depends on your body. Seems like we all react to drugs in different ways. I do think that the pentasa is suppose to start acting fast. You could call the pharmacy and ask how quickly it is suppose to work. Your dr maybe right the Asocal might work better for you. Either way I hope that you find some relief soon.
Heather
Posted 9/11/2007 11:15 AM (GMT -6)
I have noticed that if I drop my Pentasa dose to three capsules in the am, and 3 in the pm as opposed to 4 capsules both times my diarrhea is better. I'm not sure why but it does.
Posted 9/11/2007 11:56 AM (GMT -6)
I've been on Asacol for a year in and half and it works very well for me. I also have Crohn's in my TI.
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