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Compare Balsalazide vs. Apriso

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

  • Balsalazide (Colazal)
    Mesalamine
  • Balsalazide (Colazal)
    Mesalamine

  • Summary of Balsalazide vs. Apriso

    Summary for Aminosalicylate
    Prescription only

    Balsalazide disodium, also known by the brand name Colazal, is an aminosalicylate. It's a first-choice treatment option for treating mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis (UC) in people age 5 years and older. Balsalazide (Colazal) is available as 750 mg capsules. The typical dosage for adults is 3 capsules by mouth three times per day. Children can take either 1 or 3 capsules by mouth three times per day. Side effects include stomach pain and diarrhea.

    Summary for Aminosalicylate
    Prescription only

    Mesalamine is used to help with an inflammatory bowel disease called ulcerative colitis (UC). It helps relieve symptoms of mild or moderate UC, such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and gut inflammation. This medication can also be used to maintain remission (prevent UC flare-ups) in adults. There are many brand names for mesalamine on the market, and they all have lower-cost generics available. The dosage depends on the brand and formulation of mesalamine you have. In general, this medication can cause side effects like headache and indigestion.

  • Indications of Balsalazide vs. Apriso

    Indications for
    •Mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis (UC) in people age 5 years and older
    Indications for
    •Ulcerative colitis (UC)

  • Pros and Cons of Balsalazide vs. Apriso

    Pros and Const for Aminosalicylate
    Pros
    •Can start to provide symptom relief after 2 weeks of treatment
    •Can sprinkle the pill contents onto applesauce if you have trouble swallowing it whole
    Cons
    •Need to take three times per day
    •Can't take if you're allergic to salicylates, such as aspirin
    Pros and Const for Aminosalicylate
    Pros
    •Easy to take since it's a pill that's swallowed
    •Generally mild side effects
    •A first-choice option for preventing flare-ups in adults with mild UC
    •Lower-cost generics available
    Cons
    •Typically need to take a few pills for each dose
    •Can take a few weeks before you start to feel the effects
    •Might cause kidney stones and make your skin more sensitive to the sun
    •Might not be the best option for people with liver problems

  • Common Side Effects of Balsalazide vs. Apriso

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach pain (6%)
    •Diarrhea (5%)
    •Joint pain (4%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache
    •Stomach pain
    •Nausea
    •Diarrhea
    •Indigestion

  • Warnings of Balsalazide vs. Apriso

    Common Side Effects for
    •Kidney damage
    •Kidney stones
    •Acute intolerance syndrome
    •Allergic reactions
    •Severe skin reactions
    •Liver problems
    •Skin that's sensitive to the sun
    •Caution in people with gut blockage
    Common Side Effects for
    •Kidney problems, including kidney stones
    •Abnormal reaction to mesalamine
    •Liver problems
    •Allergic reactions and severe skin reactions
    •Iron content in certain tablets and capsules of mesalamine
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (for Apriso extended-release capsules only)

  • Prices with our coupons for Balsalazide vs. Apriso

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    Learn more about Mesalamine

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