Has anyone had success with one 5-ASA and not another?
Hi there,
I'm new to the forum, and still kind of in denial my disease is getting worse. I was diagnosed in 2019 with ulcerative proctitis, so just inflammation in the rectum. I've only been taking mesalamine suppositories as maintenance since 2020, and have had 0 flares or issues.
Last week, I started having bad cramps and soft stool that eventually turned into bloody diarrhea Tuesday and since. I've never had diarrhea yet since being diagnosed so of course it's scary. And the pain in my lower stomach is constant.
Went to my GI and I'm scheduled for a colonoscopy next Friday so the doc can see what's happening, like if the inflammation has moved up.
My question is, I did try mesalamine oral for a short stint instead of the suppositories, and it gave me horrible stomach cramps. So I went back to the suppositories. Has anyone experienced stomach cramps on mesalamine pills and if so, did you switch to another type of 5-ASA with success?
Thanks so much, I'm happy to have found this forum!
Sorry you have not been feeling well. I have been on Salofalk but I have also been on Asacol. I had problems with Asacol and was switched to Salofalk and was on it for many many years with no problems.
Let us know how you get on
Vern - IBD Team Member
I was put on Asacol in the very beginning when I was diagnosed. I literally couldn't even keep the pill down. And I felt so ill taking it. I was then moved to Remicade. I hope this helps some. -Elizabeth (team member)
Oh thanks!
I haven't tried any of the injections or infusions yet, literally just the Mesalamine suppository which is another name for Asacol. I was hoping I could move to the oral form before trying the immune suppressants but I had a side effect from Mesalamine oral before. 😭😭😭 
I was on Mesalamine for a while and was nervous about going on biologics, but honestly I haven't had many side effects on them! Are you thinking about trying biologics? -Eshani (IBD Team Member) You are welcome. And I hear you. Figuring out what med is best for you can be overwhelming. You might find this article helpful. It goes over medications for IBD: https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/treatment/medications
I hope this helps some.
Big hugs, Elizabeth (team member)
I was diagnosed with UC in Sep 2021 and put on Mesalazine tablets which did the trick for about 6 months but then I flared up again. I've been prescribed Mesalazine enemas in addition to the tablets during flares which I find really helps, however the Mesalazine tablets alone aren't doing the trick to get it under control anymore, I've done a course of steroids which hasn't really worked either so I'm about to go into immunosuppressants... I haven't been given any other 5-ASA as an alternative.
