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Ok...Colazal here we come

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 6/28/2013 4:57 PM (GMT 0)
So my GI is taking off 8 tabs of Azulfidine per day, and starting me on Coloazal...He wants me to start with 3 tabs a day, and if no reaction up it to 9 tabs a day...

I hate to ask what to look for in side effects as once I find out I tend to get them..So how about only good reports on this drug for the time being. UC is like a revolving door, you just can't get out..sometimes it spins fast other times slow..Rod
Posted 6/28/2013 5:22 PM (GMT 0)
I take generic Colazal called Balsalazide and have had no side effects or reactions. I started out at 3pillsx3 times a day with no problem but it sounds OK to try at lower dose.

I cannot say this med has helped me because until I started back trying diet modification it did nothing, like all the other Rx meds I've been on (Asacol, 6mp). Some people here have reported they do better on the name drug Colazal and not on the generic.

Good luck. Hope you see benefit.
Are you using rectal retention enemas too? These are low side effect and great benefit.
Posted 6/28/2013 5:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hello, thanx for the reply

I've used cortenem's on and off for 40 years. They work pretty well for the blood issue but have never really worked for mucus..Never could figure that out. Azulfidine helped with mucus but 8 tabs a day really was hard on me. I am hoping the Colazal will be easier then the azulfidine...We shall see..

Rod
Posted 6/28/2013 6:25 PM (GMT 0)
I've been on Colazal for over 10 years now. I started on Asacol and took that for many, many years then switched to Colazal when it came out as I was having hair loss issues. Never was sure if it was from long-term use of the Asacol but figured changing was worth a try. I've taken 3 pills/3xday for over 10 years now and never have had any side effects. In fact, I was in remission for most of that time and I have to say that I'm sure Colazal helped keep me in remission. When I started reducing it, I went into a flare.  My GI does test my liver and kidneys periodically as long-term use of mesalamine-based drugs can affect some people's livers or kidneys. I've never had any issues however.  I hope it works for you!
Posted 6/28/2013 6:39 PM (GMT 0)
cortenemas are very different than mesalamine enemas.
Mesalamine enemas have no steroids and can be used as maintenance over long periods unlike steroid types which have side effects.

Although oral meds have not been much use for my UC the mesalamine enemas have been very effective. Strongly suggest you get them and use until symptoms reduce. I only use them now when symptoms pop up (generally when I eat something gut dislikes ha).
Posted 6/29/2013 4:52 AM (GMT 0)
Colazal has been my break-through UC med. Very scary in late 2011 when Salix Pharma suddenly pulled brandname from production w/o advance warning. My gastroenterologist helped to convince them to restore it to the market, which they did in March 2012. I wish you good luck with it! Keeping yourself well-hydrated with plain water throughout the day helps it to work more effectively in the colon, IMO. / Old Hat (32 yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking brandname Colazal)
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