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Colazal vs. Lialda

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 1/23/2011 2:20 AM (GMT 0)
Anyone know of any real differences between Colazal and Lialda?

Have been taking Colazal (3 pills 3x a day) for 3 years and have been having problems with a flare-up for a few months.  My doc gave me a different prescription for Lialda, which apparently is only 2 pills once a day.  His comment to me was that these were the "exact same medications".

From a quick read online, these appear to be different (balsalaside vs. mesalamine).  Anyone have any stories to share about the effectiveness of one vs. the other?  

Have never been a fan of the Colazal - don't like taking 9 pills a day plus the awful yellow powder inside the capsules make a mess.

Posted 1/23/2011 2:28 AM (GMT 0)
I take Lialda, after having been on Asacol. I actually take 4 Lialda a day, at one time. They have worked for me and with the prescription card you get with samples from the doc or online at their website, it is only $10. per month with insurance, a bargain. I have not had experience with Colazal but a quick search states: Colazal: "Balsalazide is an anti-inflammatory drug. It is converted in the body to mesalamine." So they are similar.
Posted 1/23/2011 2:35 AM (GMT 0)
I don't think they are exactly the same. I have heard that colazal is more effective in treating the left side because that is where it releases. Lialda should treat the whole colon better. I tried both and had more luck with lialda. Colazal made my stools very loose and yellow in color. I think it's very individual, different things help different people.
Posted 1/23/2011 2:41 AM (GMT 0)
When I first started taking the Colazal, it gave me very loose, yellow stools. I ended up tapering off to 3 pills 2x a day instead of the prescribed 3x3. Interestingly enough, when I had my first flare-up (when I was diagnosed), the ulcerations were on the left side. Apparently the ulcerations with this flare-up are more concentrated in the transverse part of my colon. Seems odd as I thought it generally affected a continual section of the colon but if what you described is true (about how these med affect different parts of the colon, the Lialda may in fact be a better option at this time).
Posted 1/23/2011 3:20 PM (GMT 0)
Active agent is the same(5ASA aka Meslamine).

Colazal is an azo bonded compound(Balasazide disodium) that resists breakdown until it researches the pH present in the colon. It then is broken down into 5ASA and another mostly inert compound as it passes down the colon by biological action.

Lialda is 5asa(meslamine) similar to asacol in that it is in a pH sensitive exterior coating. In addition the 5asa is coated with what they call a MMX . This is supposed to give an even delayed release along the colon. It is a two step process

Different delivery systems that may or may not work differently in different people. I never used Lialda but I did use asacol. I think colazal and sulfasalazine worked better. Plenty have similar or opposite experience. Basically you have to try it and find out.
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