new form of meslazine - much better imo

well, maybe not super new, but semi-new...

Kazygirl, that's pretty interesting. How big are granules? Do you just take them with water and do they dissolve in the GI tract? Thanks!

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Just a quick note: this isn't actually Asacol, it's Pentasa. Same drug, but Pentasa is formulated to be effective at the very beginning of the colon, so may be less effective for treating the left side of the colon, rectum and sigmoid.

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The granules aren't available in the US or Canada...as well as the foam enemas, unfortunately. I think having all the options of different forms would allow better options of delivery.

Medications such as Asacol and ilk are many times prescribed in a high dosage which can give side effects that exacerbate some UC symptoms. Starting at a lower dosage and increasing would be a better way to avoid some of those symptoms.

Compliance is a huge part of success with medications...If they're sweetened with artificial sweeteners, that in itself could cause problems.

Rectal meds are highly neglected by doctors, and compliance by patients seems adequate at best. Can't express enough that not using them (or at least allowing them a fair trial) can give the impression of oral med failure.

It would be nice if we all had the same options of meds...

quincy

quincy

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i mentioned in the my first post that it is pentasa or salofalk as the brands. i didnt mention asacol. i dont even know what that is being over here in australia.

that is unfortunate that you cant get it in america.

you empty the sachet of granules onto the tongue and wash it down with water or juice. they are like the little candy dots on donuts or cupcakes. that size. and taste sweet. very easy to take.

they make it ALL the way into the colon and are made to disperse evenly throughout the WHOLE colon to the end.
NOT just the beginning. the pills only go part way, hence the switch to the granules, so they go all the way.

my doc wants me to take the salofalk enemas but they make me very sick and i cant tolerate them. so he did try.

these granules are so much better than taking a million pills a day. i quite like them and am hopeful as the studies on them seem to be very very promising.

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^{steph - 32 - female - UC since 2000}

Asacol is the same drug as Salofalk.

Please remember to consult your health care provider when making health-related decisions.

Post Edited (Judilyn) : 6/21/2008 11:40:11 PM (GMT-6)

I was taking the granules for 8 months and we discovered that it was making my UC worse, though I seem to have a bad reaction all the Mesalazine family of drugs.

The only one I seem to tolerate well is Colazide (Colazal in the US) which is based on Balsalazide.

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"We are dreamers, shapers, singers and makers..." - Elric, Technomage

• 28yo male. Brisbane, Australia. Diagnosed at 16yo. Currently enjoying severe pan-colitis.
  - Participating in the Golimumab trial as of 1st May, 2008;
  - 2x Colazide, twice a day; 25mg of 6-MP a day; 1xAllopurnol;
  - 1x teaspoon of Metamucil 3 times a day;
  - 3x Garlic oil capsules & 7mL Olive Leaf Extract twice a day.

Can you get these in the UK?

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DX with UC Jan 07
Currently taking Colazide (allergic to Asacol and Pentasa) 6 a day
Also taking VSL3 X1 a day

Thanks for the info, kazygirl. I wish I could try it but I am in the U.S.

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Diagnosed with Left-sided UC in 1995 at age 15, Prednisone, Rowasa & Hydrocort. Enemas, Proctofoam, Sulfasalazine, Asacol, Probiotics, Fish Oil, Aloe Juice, Canasa, Enotcort, Colazol, Anamantle, Remicade, etc... had 1 inch deep rectal ulcer 2004, put on Remicade, August 2007:Increased Remicade dosage-700mg every 6 weeks,diagnosed w/ Psoriatic Arthritis & Fibromyalgia Current meds: Clorazepate, Lomotil,  Tylenol pm, Lyrica started 1/17/08,  Humira started 4/4/08