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Compare Rowasa vs. Apriso

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

Key takeaways

Mesalamine (Rowasa) and mesalamine delayed-release (DR) oral forms like Apriso, Asacol HD, Delzicol, Lialda, and Pentasa are both used to treat ulcerative colitis (UC), but they differ in their administration and some side effects. Rowasa is a rectal enema, which means you insert it into your rectum, while the DR oral forms are taken by mouth as pills or capsules. Rowasa works directly in your colon and is a good option if you have trouble swallowing pills, but it can be uncomfortable to use and may cause rectal pain or soreness. On the other hand, the DR oral forms are easier to take since you just swallow them, but you might need to take multiple pills each day, and it can take a few weeks to feel their effects. Both forms can cause kidney problems and make your skin more sensitive to the sun, but Rowasa can also cause allergic reactions if you're sensitive to sulfites. Additionally, the DR oral forms have specific instructions on whether to take them with or without food, and some forms should not be taken with antacids. Both medications have lower-cost generic options available.

  • Mesalamine (Rowasa)
    Mesalamine
  • Mesalamine (Rowasa)
    Mesalamine

  • Summary of Rowasa vs. Apriso

    Summary for Aminosalicylate
    Prescription only

    Mesalamine (Rowasa) is an enema that's inserted into the rectum. It's used to treat adults with an inflammatory bowel condition known as ulcerative colitis (UC). This medication belongs to the drug class called aminosalicylates, and it works to lower swelling and inflammation in your colon (gut). The usual dosage is one enema inserted rectally every day at bedtime. Side effects include stomach cramps, gas, and headache. Mesalamine (Rowasa) is available as both a brand-name and generic medication.

    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 Rowasa vs. Apriso

    Indications for
    •Certain types of ulcerative colitis (UC), including proctosigmoiditis and proctitis
    Indications for
    •Ulcerative colitis (UC)

  • Pros and Cons of Rowasa vs. Apriso

    Pros and Const for Aminosalicylate
    Pros
    •Works directly in your colon to lower swelling
    •Good alternative if you have trouble swallowing pills
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Comes in a sulfite-free version (sfRowasa)
    Cons
    •Can be uncomfortable or difficult to use for some people
    •Can cause unpleasant side effects, such as stomach pain, gas, nausea , and headache
    •Interacts with many medications, such as azathioprine (Imuran) and mercaptopurine (Purinethol)
    •Not approved for use in children
    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 Rowasa vs. Apriso

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach pain, cramps, or discomfort (8%)
    •Headache (7%)
    •Gas (6%)
    •Nausea (6%)
    •Flu-like symptoms (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache
    •Stomach pain
    •Nausea
    •Diarrhea
    •Indigestion

  • Warnings of Rowasa vs. Apriso

    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious allergic reactions and serious skin reactions
    •Kidney problems
    •Liver problems
    •Acute intolerance syndrome
    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 Rowasa vs. Apriso

    Learn more about Mesalamine
    Learn more about Mesalamine

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