Asacol users

A few questions:

 

Does Asacol need to be taken 3 times a day or can you double up and take 2 times a day?

 

What is the minimum dose of Asacol for maintenance?

 

My hubby is on 2 pills @ 3 times a day- can he change to 3 pills

2 times a day??

 

I am wondering about asking the Dr if he could cut back to 2 pills 2 times a day?

 

He also uses Rowasa.

 

Also, while on Asacol do you need to get any labs checked and how often?

 

Thanks so much!

"What is the minimum dose of Asacol for maintenance?"

As I understand it, it is 2400 mg, taken either 3, 400 mg, 2X/day or 2, 400mg, 3X/day.

"Does Asacol need to be taken 3 times a day or can you double up and take 2 times a day?"

If you are referring to the maintenance dose, see above.

"My hubby is on 2 pills @ 3 times a day- can he change to 3 pills
2 times a day??"

To my knowledge, yes.

"I am wondering about asking the Dr if he could cut back to 2 pills 2 times a day?"

Unwise for two reasons: (1) In the physicians professional judgment he needs 2400 mg and (2) there are studies that have indicated a reduced colon cancer risk at 2400. The old maintenance dose was 1600 mg but that is now an anachronism.

"Also, while on Asacol do you need to get any labs checked and how often?"

Not specifically for Asacol, no.

I was told by my GI that even 2 pills a day of Asacol is beneficial due to the topical effect of the drug.
I am on 2 a day when well, 12 a day when flaring.