Asacol is a brand name drug which is known in the generic world as mesalamine. This medication is often prescribed to ulcerative colitis patients early on during the treatment phases. Some people use this drug as their maintenance drug for many months or even years.
Asacol is unique in that unlike some other medications, it is made with a special outer capsule that enables it to travel through much of the gastro intestinal tract intact before it starts to release itself. Basically, the outside of the pill doesn’t break down early on, it is supposed to make its way near your colon before it releases its medicine inside. When I was prescribed this medication, I was told that the pill only releases itself once it hits a certain Ph level that exists only in the colon…
There are several different mesalamine medications on the market, and Asacol might very well be one of the most expensive. If medications costs/health insurance are a factor, you might want to talk with your doctor to see if there are alternatives that your doctor might recommend. As asacol is taken orally, there are also other medications which are similar and mesalamine based which are prescribed as enemas and suppositories.
asacol pills
Asacol is a medication which is considered an anti-inflammatory medication. One of its main goals is to try and stop our bodies from creating other substances which produce inflammation and or pain.
One thing to note is that before you start taking Asacol, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any type of known allergic reactions to Aspirin. Asacol is very similar to Aspirin and you should definitely let your doctor know if you can’t tollerate it before starting on Asacol.
As for people who have had success from Asacol alone for treating their ulcerative colitis, it surely does happen. It wasn’t the case for me, but I am just one particular case.
If you have had used or are using asacol and want to share a comment below on how its going/went for you, feel free.
I started site shortly after being diagnosed in October of 2008 with severe pancolitis (when my whole colon was inflamed).
For me, it was a very rough start with severe symptoms. Getting bounced from medication to medication was not easy or too helpful. But, I did meet another UC’er, changes several parts of my diet, and of course the rest is history.
Leave a comment, ask a question, take advantage of our past experiences here, use the search boxes, they are your friends to0:)
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