Posted 4/8/2010 3:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Levi. Nope, I was on the regular Asacol, so taking four pills three times a day. So I don't know the cost comparison. Salix (Apriso manufacturer) does have a copay savings program where you can get up to $50 per 30-day supply reimbursed. My copay for Apriso is $35, so I get that all back from Salix. My copay for regular Asacol is $15. I'm not sure what it would be for Asacol HD, though. I'd call your insurance company and ask the specifics on copays for the different drugs and explore if any copay reimbursement programs exist.
Anyway, at 12 pills of 400 mg Asacol (that's the max prescribed dose, usually) you're getting 4.8 g of mesalamine. The max dose of Apriso is four 0.375 g pills, so just 1.5 g of mesalamine. The max dose of Lialda is four 1.2 g pills, so again, 4.8 g mesalamine. Now, one thing to consider is that Apriso is not indicated for induction of remission, only maintenance. But I don't know if that's because they did studies and it didn't induce remission all that well, or because they just haven't done the studies yet. But heck, even Asacol is only indicated for induction of "mild to moderate" UC. My doc said the reason Apriso is prescribed at such a lower maximum dose is because it supposedly dissolves and coats the colon much more effectively. Now, whether that is really true remains to be seen, but I'm maintaining a rock-solid remission on it (plus enemas twice weekly!). If I flare, and bumping up enemas to nightly isn't doing it, I don't know if I'll bump the Apriso doseage up (my GI indicated that would be possible) or if I'll switch back to Asacol or something.