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Apriso vs. Dipentum

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.

• Ulcerative colitis (UC)

• Headache
• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Indigestion

• 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)

Dipentum (olsalazine) is used to prevent flare-ups from ulcerative colitis (UC) in adults. It belongs to a drug class known as aminosalicylates. This medication is a capsule that's taken by mouth. The usual dosage is 2 capsules twice a day. Potential side effects include diarrhea and stomach pain. Dipentum (olsalazine) isn't available as a generic yet.

• Ulcerative colitis in adults who can't take sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)

• Diarrhea (11%)
• Stomach pain or cramps (10%)
• Nausea (5%)
• Joint pain (4%)
• Rash (2%)
• Upper respiratory tract infection (2%)
• Depression (2%)

• Kidney problems
• Intolerance syndrome
• Serious allergic reaction
• Possible liver problems
• Severe skin reactions
• Sun sensitivity