Apriso vs. Dipentum for Ulcerative Colitis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Mesalamine

Dipentum

(olsalazine)

Summary for Apriso

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 for Apriso

Ulcerative colitis (UC)

Pros and Cons for Apriso

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 for Apriso

Headache
Stomach pain
Nausea
Diarrhea
Indigestion

Warnings for Apriso

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)

Summary for Dipentum

Prescription 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.

Indications for Dipentum

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

Pros and Cons for Dipentum

Pros

Taken by mouth
Prevents flare-ups from happening
Good option for people who can't take sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)

Cons

Not a first-choice treatment option for severe UC
Won't help if you're currently having a flare-up
Not known whether it's safe or if it works well in children

Common Side Effects for Dipentum

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

Warnings for Dipentum

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

Prices with our coupons for Apriso vs. Dipentum

Mesalamine DR60 tablets / 1.2g

$55.91$166.02

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Dipentum120 capsules / 250mg

$1,899.55$2,245.32

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Apriso vs. Dipentum

Mesalamine

Dipentum

Summary for Apriso

Indications for Apriso

Pros and Cons for Apriso

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Apriso

Warnings for Apriso

Summary for Dipentum

Indications for Dipentum

Pros and Cons for Dipentum

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Dipentum

Warnings for Dipentum

Prices with our coupons for Apriso vs. Dipentum

Browse medications by letter

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Mesalamine

Dipentum

Summary for Apriso

Indications for Apriso

Pros and Cons for Apriso

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Apriso

Warnings for Apriso

Summary for Dipentum

Indications for Dipentum

Pros and Cons for Dipentum

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Dipentum

Warnings for Dipentum