Asacol and Diarrhea: What Users Say

• SUZ...
• September 20, 2019

For Ulcerative Colitis "I have had colitis for 20 years. I was prescribed steroids but did not want to take them. I had gas, bloating, loose, watery, foul-smelling bowel movements. Up to 20 a day. I started on Asacol 800 mg. I took 6 tabs a day. Two in the morning, 2 midday, and 2 at bedtime. I saw no results and was even passing whole tablets... as I know it is common. I almost threw in the towel. At the 3-month mark, I had formed stools and minimal gas and bloating. You have to be patient. Our bowels did not get sick overnight... so you are not going to be cured overnight. 20 years of issues took about 3 months on Asacol. Now I am down to 2 x 800 mg tabs maintenance dose. 1 tab in the morning and 1 tab at night. I still have the odd loose bowel movement if I eat greasy food or drink too much coffee. But all in all... well worth it."

• Joh...
• August 5, 2011

For Ulcerative Colitis, Maintenance "I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis when I was 17, had a colonoscopy done, and that's when I was prescribed Asacol. It was terrible, my diarrhea was just horrible, and it also came with a lot of blood. I started taking Asacol, about 9 pills daily. After about a couple of months, the diarrhea was completely gone. That's when I thought it was okay to stop taking them, so about 4 years later, the flares started happening again. So I don't recommend delaying the pills."

• Anonymous
• April 11, 2010

For Ulcerative Colitis, Maintenance "Asacol caused high diarrhea within 1-2 days, then was switched to Colezol, and within about 2 months had a bad flare-up, which stopped within 2 days of discontinuing Colezol. Have since learned that if you are intolerant of Asacol, Colezol should not be prescribed. Are going to end up with same issues."

• Anonymous
• February 4, 2011

For Lymphocytic Colitis "I am newly diagnosed with LC, I am 38 years old and have suffered with various GI issues for years. Finally got a diagnosis and was started just last week on Asacol 800 mg tabs three times a day. I have noticed that the diarrhea is slightly less frequent and less explosive after only one week. I am hopeful, especially after reading the other users' comments, that this will help me."

• ang...
• January 19, 2013

For Ulcerative Colitis "I was diagnosed 6 months ago with colitis. I started taking Asacol 400 mg 3x a day. I felt great immediately after the 3rd pill. No diarrhea for 2 whole days! Last night, my stomach started that weird rumbling noise. About an hour later, I had a severe headache! One of the worst I have ever had! I was on my 10th pill. One of the side effects of this medication. Be careful, always call your doctor if you have any side effects with this medication. I stopped taking this medicine, it did not work for me."