Most gastros & pharmacists are NOT IBD subspecialists who participate in research & clinical trials to determine how exactly the 5-ASAs differ. They are not all equivalent because some like Lialda, & Asacol formulations activate in the ascending colon*; brandname Colazal activates in transverse colon. It was a replacement for Dipentum. I know that because I participated in an NIH clinical trial for Colazal in 2002-3, having used Dipentum previously. (Also several other UC meds, including orals, Rowasa brandname & generics, & steroids.) The gastros in the practice I've been with since 1990s write & update med school textbooks on IBD treatment. These are very dedicated pros who practically breathe IBD concerns. Therefore, it bugs me when anyone with less experience/exposure claims that 5-ASAs are all equivalent. If that was true, I wouldn't have suffered 3-4 flares annually for 20 yrs. / Old Hat (40 yrs with left-sided UC) *** [P.S. *Pentasa may activate in terminal ileum; I had a dentist with Crohn's who was helped by that.]
Post Edited (Old Hat) : 12/19/2020 4:24:52 PM (GMT-7)