Asacol dosges...

Looking at my dosage of Lialda, it says each tab contains 1.2 GRAMS. Asacol is usually 400 MILLIGRAMS which equals .4 GRAMS. So one Lialda contains the same med equivalent of 3 Asacol. Darn metric system throws some people. Lialda (the new formula) is designed to release over a 24 hour period, while Asacol releases over 8 to 12 hours. They both contain the same base medication, mesalamine, but each uses a different formula for the delivery of that medication. That is why they can sell them as separate meds. I wouldn't be surprised if Asacol changes their formula when their patent is about to run out so that they can continue to sell it at outrageous prices and avoid losing business to generic formulas.

Lialda advertises as "one dose a day" but that in truth is 2 Lialda tablets.  I am only taking one because I got too many side effects from Colazal and also 2 Lialda. But, I also use one Canasa at bedtime.  Seems to be working - two BM's most days with tiny bit of blood - no cramping, no urgency and very little discomfort at all.

I am also very lucky that my Medicare supplement has $9 copay and $3 for generic and supplement is free (all I pay is Medicare part B each month) because my husband is retired Army.  I see that 60 tablets at my pharmacy are $302.00.

ElaineNY