Balsalazide for Ulcerative Colitis, Active User Reviews

• GYP...
• February 18, 2009

"This drug has basically saved my life. I've been hospitalized twice from severe ulcerative colitis. I would not be able to function outside of my home if it were not for this medication. Thank you for all the efforts that went into developing this drug."

• Cin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 27, 2022

"I took mesalamine and prednisone for ulcerative colitis and improved immediately, returning to mostly normal in about six weeks. But mesalamine is so expensive, even with insurance. After talking with my gastroenterologist, I switched to the much more affordable balsalazide. Within two weeks, my symptoms returned, mild at first. After taking it for six weeks and never missing a dose, I was almost as bad as when I was first diagnosed. It had no effect on me, and it was almost as if I was not taking anything at all. I had to go back on the mesalamine. I really wished the balsalazide had worked for me!"

• Anonymous
• April 2, 2008

Balsalazide "Tried for a few months some years ago. No side effects, didn't seem as effective as Asacol for me. Needs specific conditions in the gut to 'cleave' into the active medication, I think my particular gut wasn't suited. Beware that not every med will work in everyone, Asacol included. Try meds and observe how you fare."

• Lin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 7, 2019

"I’ve just started on balsalazide, three 750 mg capsules three times a day. I was having a Crohn's flare-up every six months prior to this drug! I’m hoping and praying this med will keep me out of the hospital! I’m currently recovering from an episode, and I’m also taking prednisone for two more weeks. I feel wonderful! So far!"

• che...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 27, 2023

"I have been taking this med for 6 weeks. Was originally prescribed another med that I couldn't afford for $1,000.00 for one month! Anyway, I have been taking this medicine, and while I no longer have bloody passings, my stomach distention and terrible discomfort have not improved, and I still suffer from all the other inflammatory issues that accompany the UC flare, such as joint pain and red eyes. I had been in remission for about 4 years and achieved that remission with prednisone therapy, and frankly, I do not know why I was given this medicine. It is not helping me, and I'm feeling absolutely miserable while pushing through work and life."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 26, 2024

"My insurance wouldn’t cover mesalamine. This it did. Have been on prednisone for 18 months (5-7.5 mg). A few days after starting this I improved dramatically. However, I was gaining weight quickly as well. So, I went from 9 a day to 6. Still worked great. Then, went to 4 a day. Still great and I’m trying to taper off of prednisone. This drug keeps me from having to urgently find a bathroom. I’m much more relaxed."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 4, 2021

"Been taking 9 pills for a year. Zero percent effective on me. My UC has become much worse. Prednisone was added, budesonide, Canasa, and Uceris with Humira for the past 6 months. I have no control of my bowels. My UC is out of control, and I have black stool and black pools in the toilet. My GI has no explanation as to why I have upper intestinal bleeding. I had an endoscopy and a colonoscopy just recently. Polyps were removed, and my colon refilled the progression of my ulcerative colitis. But my doctor still has no definitive reason as to why I have black stool."

• Syd...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 15, 2021

"Going on 2 weeks of taking balsalazide, 4 pills two times a day. Symptoms have improved but still have some bleeding, an uncomfortable feeling on my left side (colon area), and sudden urges to run to the bathroom. Going to contact my doctor on Monday about my progress."

• Anonymous
• January 12, 2012

"It has been excellent in curing my symptoms."

• Jam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 17, 2021

Balsalazide "This medicine caused a lot of gas and diarrhea, that further exacerbated my symptoms and set me further back..."

• Arb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 11, 2017

"Massive diarrhea, rash on the trunk area of the body, rash above each ear. Extreme flatulence."

• lut...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 13, 2023

Balsalazide "I have been taking Colazal (3 x 750 mg caps twice a day) for five years and only have had two mild flare-ups. No side effects."

• THO...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 15, 2021

"This medicine helped my pancolitis, however, I developed rapid and much hair loss within 3 months of taking. I will switch medications to see if hair loss improves."