Frequently Asked Questions

What is Asacol indicated for?

Asacol is indicated for both treatment of mild to moderate flare-ups of ulcerative colitis and maintenance of remission of ulcerative colitis.

How does Asacol work?

The Asacol patented delivery system gets mesalamine to your colon where it is needed most. Asacol can help begin to repair the lining of your colon.* Mesalamine, the active ingredient in Asacol, acts throughout the colon to help reduce inflammation of the inner lining of the colon and rectum.

Will Asacol help keep ulcerative colitis in remission?

Asacol is proven to help maintain remission of ulcerative colitis. In a six-month study, patients taking Asacol at a maintenance dose were more likely to be in remission at the end of the study as compared to those taking a placebo (sugar pill).

What benefits can be gained from maintenance therapy with Asacol?

In a six-month study, patients taking Asacol at a maintenance dose were more likely to remain in UC remission as compared to those taking a placebo (sugar pill).

Why should you take your medication when you feel fine?

Taking your ulcerative colitis medication as directed by your doctor is an important part of managing the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. And taking your medication, even when you feel fine, can help you reduce the risk of a flare-up and help maintain remission.

Does Asacol cure UC?

There is no cure for UC besides surgical removal of the colon. Asacol can help manage UC symptoms, including reducing the number of bowel movements and decreasing rectal bleeding.

Does Asacol contain steroids?

No.

When are results typically expected from Asacol?

In six-week clinical studies of flare-ups, Asacol helped many patients reduce their symptoms, including number of bowel movements and rectal bleeding, for some as early as 3 weeks. Individual results may vary.

How can Asacol affect people's lives and their ability to function normally?

Asacol can help reduce your UC symptoms so your life can be more predictable. With Asacol, fewer trips to the bathroom (i.e., fewer bowel movements) means more time to do what you want.

How does the cost of Asacol compare to other oral brand name 5-ASA prescription medications?

Asacol offers the lowest average out-of-pocket cost versus other oral brand name 5-ASAs.†


*As demonstrated by endoscopy in clinical studies.

‡ SDI's Vector One®: Payer, for the six month period ending August 2008. Out-of-pocket cost is the portion of the prescription cost that the patient is required to pay. These data include patients who pay the entire cost of their prescription and those who receive coverage via private insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare. VA and mail order co-pays are not included. Lower out of pocket costs to patients do not necessarily reflect a cost savings to providers. Products that are subject of a price comparison are not known to have comparable efficacy and safety.