Medication question

Sulfasalazine becomes mesalamine after gut bacteria cleave off the byproduct, a sulfite. If you have a sulfite allergy then that sulfite is a problem. Sulfasalazines'sulfite can cause headaches in some, in that eventuality, switch to also inexpensive balsalazide disodium. As balsalazide doesn't contain sulfites.

The sulfa component in sulfasalazine does not cleave into mesalamine! Mesalamine was bonded to sulfa decades back so that the resulting oral 5-ASA combo med would reach the colon without being metabolized en route there!!!!! Therefore, sulfasalazine is NOT an appropriate replacement for Lialda! It's cheaper because it's basically an antiquated mesalamine compound that mainly helps patients with arthritic complications. Sulfasalazine should only be taken in the enteric-coated tablets because it's hard on the stomach, can adversely affect the taste of food, and can cause photosensitivity to eyes and skin. (Been there & done that when it was the only option to steroid meds!) *** The whole issue of insurance companies refusing to pay for the most helpful mesalamine meds [meaning, the ones with the least side effects] is an absolute outrage that gastroenterologists and patients should be fighting together!!!!!! / Old Hat (40+ yrs with left-sided UC; in remission taking Colazal) *** P.S. Sulfa and sulfites are not synonyms; sulfasalazine contains SULFA, not sulfites which are preservative substances used in liquids & some solid foods.

Post Edited (Old Hat) : 9/8/2021 7:58:20 PM (GMT-6)

Bellski, check with your prescribing physician and ask if he/she can help you to get prior authorization from your Rx insurer to stay on brandname Lialda-- because it's the one med that keeps you in remission. (Different oral mesalamines contain different "fillers" [so-called "inert ingredients"] which can be intolerable or disruptive to patients already in remission on another regimen. [Which insurers could care less about, in most cases.] ) *** Definitely worth a try to argue your case! / Old Hat (40+ yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking Colazal)

I just posted in the asacol thread on this same topic. Check with Lialda manufacturer and see if they have a copay or free program. I got my Apriso for several years through their free program. Search on their website for financial assistance. It’s time consuming application process that your dr will have to help fill out ( maybe not for copay program though) but we’ll worth it in the end. The companies have been extremely nice and helpful to work with.

Thanks @Flowersgal but unfortunately I would not qualify for assistance because I still work (PT) and am not yet collecting social security - my income isn’t that high but certainly doesn’t qualify for assistance (maybe it’d be more worthwhile to not work, get health insurance governmental subsidies and Rx assistance!) Between paying for health insurance, and my high deductible (so I’m paying for colonoscopies, mammograms/breast ultrasounds, bone density tests) and my AsacolHD (which the insurance company doesn’t even have on its formulary 🤦🏻‍♀️) it almost takes half my income annually ... but I actually prefer working - keeps my mind off of being sick!

UPDATE: I decided to stay on my old medicine Mesalamine since it has been working for me...even though it is super expensive. I ACTUALLY ASKED about GOOD RX and am getting the medicine for $410 instead of $527 for 90 days. It was my first time asking about this. GOOD RX- it is worth enquiring about.

Once I get established with a good gastro doctor here, I will discuss it more. One thing that intrigued me about SULFALAZINE: one of you mentioned it might help with arthritis. I could actually use that! So, overall, I am being educated once again. Thank you All! God Bless you all.