Lialda VS Asacol

Yesterday I went in for my hemmroids rubberbanding (within 24 hours they fell outs so I don't know if that means I have to go back) but anyways, the doctor said there is some inflammation and I should be on something. The inflammation is "mild" he said.

Now back to Asacol or Lialda, I want to know who's having what side effects from which. I remember ASACOL making me nervous and super tired or was it the Rowasa at night I don't know. My doctor said lower the dosage and I was on 6 a day. He said everyone is different with their tolerance levels, take less he said.

I have a script for Lialda he said take one a day. Who likes what medication and why? Please share.

Thanks

The active ingredient in both is mesalamine, so any differences would only be related to binding agents, colorings, etc. The primary difference is that Lialda was developed to be taken only once a day (some docs do prescribe twice a day), so is more convenient and easier to remember. One a day is a low dose, so you may want to try it with confidence.

Therearemiracles, I think it's micro-encapsulated, so it dissolves at different times. Sort of a time-released Asacol. It just amazes me how they can control that by coating the grains with different thicknesses of whatever waxy coating it is they use. And yes, staying on maintenance drugs can be helpful in maintaining remission, and has the added benefit of decreasing the long-term risk of colon cancer.

The manufacturer's prescribing information indicates 2 Lialda daily is the lowest usual dose, so your doctor is definitely starting you off low-dose.