Asacol itching

Has anyone had terrible itching when taking Asacol? I don't want to lower my dose for fear of a flareup (which always seem to be dangerously close) but is there anything else you can do to stop the itching?

When was the last time you had your liver enzymes checked? If it wasn't recently, you might want to go have it checked because itching can be a sign that your liver is up to no good and especially since your on Imuran - any itching should be brought up to your doc. How long has it been going on?

Is it rectal itching or just general body itchiness?

Oh, that's probably not the Asacol. That's just something that happens sometimes when you're going to the bathroom a lot. You can usually clear it up in a couple days with an over-the-counter anti-itch cream. (This is what my doctor says to do.) Nupercainal is one that I've used. (I'm pretty sure that's the name.) There are a bunch of topical creams with cortisone in them that are especially for rectal itching. A few days to a week and it's all cleared up.

When I'm in a flare, I sometimes use a little baby powder after going to the bathroom. That usually keeps the itching away. Some people use baby wipes too which I guess are less irritating than toilet paper.

I too have had serious itching with Asacol especially my hands. When I sweat, I itch all over or wherever there is sweat. It caused me to stop working out. It is not minor itching it is very intense and can be relieved some with a shower. I have stopped Asacol after taking a dose and immediately having severe itching on my hands followed by coughing and difficulty breathing. It all subsided without treatment but a clear sign that I am allergic to the medication. I have been off Asacol for about 5 days and still experiencing some itching so I think it is still in my system. The doctor has asked me to get some sort of lab test to see it I can tolerate a different med. Not sure what that is all about but I will follow up. The itching is a real reaction and it is NOT rectal itching!