What is the difference between Pentasa and Lialda? They are both medications for Crohn's disease.?

Question

I am a little confused because they both have the generic name of mesalamine. Is the only difference the strength and amount of times you need to take it?

Answer 1

hi, i am a female crohn's pt. for 28 yrs. dxed at the age of 12. Here is the most accurate information for you:

Lialda, for active, mild to moderate ulcerative colitis, is the only FDA-approved once-daily oral prescription drug of its kind.www.lialda.com -  1.2 g

Pentasa (mesalamine) is used to treat ulcerative colitis, proctitis, and proctosigmoiditis.  usually comes in 500 mg capsules    yes, the dosage is different in both

The newer treatments to treat Crohn's are Entocort, Remicade, Humira, 6MP, and Imuran. Pentasa is a thing of the past for crohn's pts. b/c many GIs have realized that it doesn't really get their pts. into remission. The same goes for Asacol. Pts. are taking more than 10 pills a day and aren't happy so their GIs are switching to other treatments with 3 pills or less.

If you go to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America's site, they have more information on the newer meds, women's issues, diet, surgery, as well as locating a local support chapter, a hotline & live chat run by healthcare experts well versed in CD, plus there is an open forum where pts. and their family and friends can post questions to others in the same situation.

I've been around many yrs. and have seen some great changes when it comes to treating CD. The newer meds are definitely the way to go. Ask your GI if you are  a candidate for them.

my heart goes out to you. i wish you a life long remission.