Asacol

I've been on Asacol since January 30 and Rowasa since February 6. I was in a horrible flare (diarrhea 15+ times a day). By February 6, the Asacol had started to make a small difference, but I noticed a big improvement when I started Rowasa...virtually overnight. Then I kind of stagnated for a week/week and a half. Then this the weekend I started improving again and have been steadily improving since.

So, I really can't say how long the Asacol took to start working. I think it depends on how bad your inflamation is and how well the Asacol works in your system. I think I read on their website that it can take up to three weeks. Just remember that the Asacol may be working in terms of reducing the inflamation, but that it may take a while for the inflamation to heal enough to also reduce your symptoms.

Have you asked your doctor about a rectal med? I really doubt I'd be doing as well as I am if I weren't using Rowasa.

It helped me within the first couple weeks. I remember being so thankful to have something that managed my symptoms.

i've been on asacol for years...i recently was pulled off due to elevated liver enzymes in connection with 6-MP...doc thought asacol contributed to raised levels...he was right...levels are dropping fast, but i definitly feel worse now that i'm off the asacol...

I was on Asacol for almost two years. When I first started I noticed a difference almost immediately. However, I soon regressed back into a horrible flare so started 40mg Prednisone. Each time I tried tapering I became extremely ill (flare) by 25-30mg. So, I remained on Prednisone throughout all of our medication and treatment attempts...in addition to the Asacol, which this past summer I was put on 2400mg twice a day.

To be honest with you, the Prednisone will probably make the biggest difference for you right now, and if you start to show signs of a flare and those symptoms continue or worsen I suggest you contact your doctor/nurse immediately. I learned that a flare can kick up within a matter of days, and normally I would put off a call b/c it was a Friday and the weekend was here, but by the following Monday I was miserable and a prisoner to our home (b/c of the needed bathroom).

Anyway, I so wish you the best of luck! Keep us posted on your reaction to the medications!