Has the Rowasa Enema been effective in getting a remission or maintaining one
Yes - 0.0% - 0 votes
No - 0.0% - 0 votes
Not sure - 100.0% - 1 votes
bzjpst
New Member
Joined : Jun 2014
Posts : 4
Posted 6/28/2014 4:53 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone.... I'm new to this chat so if I'm posting something that has already been discussed or answered please let me know and direct me to the link.
I was diagnosed with UC about 3 to 4 years ago.... Been on Lialda since then and had couple of flare ups that were treated to Canasa suppositories. Had about 1.5 years of remission but recently get another flare up and a colonoscopy and my doctor prescribed the Rowasa enema instead of the Canasa.
Turns out my insurance company (HAP) does not cover this medication (Rowasa) and its pretty expensive ($400 per box and $800 for a monthly supply).
I travel pretty frequently and I found out that in Dubai a similar drug (Asacol Enema 4g) is equivalent to the Rowasa. There also Pentasa 1g available, the pharmacist tells me. Does anyone know if these indeed are equivalent? Does the Pentasa 1gram work instead of trhe Rowasa 4gram? or would I need the Asacol 4gram one? Its a little harder to get than the Pentasa.
Thanks in advance
Posted 6/28/2014 6:33 AM (GMT 0)
1g means there is less medicine in the container. It could be helpful if your symptoms are mild but 4g is more medicine so probably more helpful. Here in the US, 4g is standard. I've seen people in Canada mention a 2g enema but I have never seen it here. As for effectiveness, I think enemas can be very effective, especially if you have mild/moderate inflammation that affects the lower parts of the colon. If the inflammation is right in the rectum, suppositories can help that area more. Unfortunately, in my case, I have been battling some rectal inflammation and although I have used a lot of enemas and suppositories, even steroid enemas, nothing seems to clear it. So right now, I would answer your poll with "Not sure" but in the past, i would have said "yes". It is usually effective.. You can order generic rowasa from canada too. I haven't ordered enemas but i have ordered sallofalk which is equivalent to Canasa.
bzjpst
New Member
Joined : Jun 2014
Posts : 4
Posted 6/28/2014 10:03 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks... My doctor mentioned that my problem is 25 CM inside the rectum on the left side which can be treated with enemas. I'm in Dubai now, going to Seoul tomorrow and will be back in Dubai for another 3 weeks. I'm planning to start with the Asacol enema 2 gm tonight. Let's see how that works.
Any recommendations to buying the enemas from Canada? Any suggested sites? That would be great. If I buy them from Dubai, shipping them to the US could be a problem with Fedex, DHL because they normally do not ship prescription drugs. It will probably be a problem with the US customs also. To be worth it, I would have to take 30 to 50 enemas with me in my luggage which is not convenient.
Canada is a good solution for me since I live in the Detroit area and Windsor, Canada is about 15 minutes drive.
Regards,