Generic Pentasa

I know some feel pentasa is useless, but I myself have been on it for my Crohn’s disease for over 20 years and it has worked well for me. Suddenly my insurance company says that a generic will be replacing it with simply “mesalamine”… same dosage of mesalamine as in pentasa.
Has this happened to you? I am Leary after being on pentasa for so long although I know generics are supposed to be the same as the brand name. I have a call into my doctor to inquire if I should have concerns…a process where she must specifically request pentasa no substitutions in order for me to continue receiving pentasa. Have only been taking it for two days. So far the difference I notice is the capsules have a yuck taste to them, they are a darker blue that instantly coats my tongue blue like I have been eating blue candy, which is weird. I am 71 years old and always skeptical of change at this point. Thanks for reading.

Post Edited (ragbag) : 8/9/2022 5:04:18 AM (GMT-7)

Thanks for your reply. My gastro dr. Suggests I give the generic a try before taking the next step to appealing for the pentasa. By the way, pentasa certainly is not inexpensive. Without insurance it is approximately $1,200.00 for a months supply. Until I make my out of pocket I am paying at least half of that amount for a few months, and it then begins to dwindle down each month over the year, from nearly $700 to $500, right now I am still paying nearly $300 a month, until we start all over again.

Post Edited (ragbag) : 8/12/2022 8:25:03 AM (GMT-7)

Wow, that is definitely pricey! I was on Pentasa, Asacol, and the generic mesalamine for about two years. Each time I filled, it was a different one it seemed like - but none of them ended up working. I wish I had some better advice for you.