Changing from Pentasa to Asacol...?

I was diagnosed with Crohn's about 12 years ago.  Suddenly my Pentasa is on the list of non preferred medications as I was so surprised to hear when I went to pick up my renewal prescription and instead of $40 it was to be $353.00!  So after being on this medication for 12 years now my gastro dr. must prescribe something else, although I have done wonderfully on Pentasa.  The patient coordinator said she may prescribe Asacol.  I'm naturally concerned about changing medications when I've done so well...feel like I could really be upsetting the apple cart here and wow, I don't like reading those possible side effects.  Are many of you on Asacol and have you had good or bad results on this ?  I would appreciate any info you can give me. 

Post Edited (ragbag) : 1/19/2009 3:07:12 PM (GMT-7)

Ragbag,
I have had excellent results with Asacol. I have been on it for 10 years, although I have a mild
case of CD. I have not noticed any side effects, other than a slight backache when I first started
on it. Every case is different, so give it a try. Like LMills said, they are very close.

Thank you for your replies so far.  I do have CD in the ileum, so I hope the dr. knows what she's doing putting me on Asacol if it doesn't target that area...?  Isn't Asacol usually prescribed for Colitis or Ulcerative Colitis rather than Crohn's?  I guess all I can do is give it a try, or include Pentasa in the monthly budget.  Ugghhh.  Very frustrating.

Post Edited (ragbag) : 1/19/2009 6:11:30 PM (GMT-7)

Hi Ragbag,

Would you mind elaborating on the condition of your Crohn's? I've never heard from anyone yet that considered themselves mild. Have you had any complications or bad times in the last 12 yrs? I'm still holding out that my daughter could possibly keep her symptoms controlled or in a somewhat mild state. 

Thanks, Tom.

Hi, 73monte.  I probably had Crohn's for 20 years before I was properly diagnosed.  I remember in the 1970s being told that I had inflammation of the intestines...well, that's what Crohn's is, but I was only ever given temporary medication fixits and had never heard of Crohn's.  I ended up in the e.r. 12 years ago in severe pain and vomiting and after many tests they said I had Crohn's Disease at the age of 45.  They put me on short term predinose and started me on Pentasa and I've of course had some bad days, but mostly good.  Nothing like many people suffer with.  I've had one severe flare, about 3 years ago I ended up in the hospital for 4 days.  I was running a very high fever because of the inflammation and at that time I was put on endocort for a time until I felt better. I am very careful to not eat foods that will irritate me at all, try to exercise.  Enough sleep is so important, easier said than done.  I feel well most of the time, and Pentasa seems to keep me feeling that way.  So rightfully so, I'm upset about this medication change because in a way it's like starting all over again.  I hope that your daughter does well.  It's an adjustment and requires some changes and some getting used to and being aware of our symptoms and enjoying all of our good days, especially after having a few not so good days, and they're going to pop up now and then.  This board has been very helpful to me...do you and your daughter belong to any support groups in your area?  I wasn't able to, but it would have really been nice to speak with someone who was going through the same thing.  There is absolutely hope that your daughter's medications will be helpful and that she can help herself to have those ''best days ever''.  The library has lots of helpful books too. There are some symptoms that are weird connected to Crohn's that one wouldn't imagine, but most I have much of the time, like joint pain or canker sores, fatigue, skin rashes, it all seems pretty mysterious, but easier to recognize through some reading.

Post Edited (ragbag) : 1/19/2009 8:59:45 PM (GMT-7)

Tom, 

I am so sorry that your daughter is having such a difficult time. I will keep her in my prayers.

Ragbag