i have been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis three years ago and for the past 8 months have stopped taking asacol. my doctor told me to start taking my medication again but i dont think i need it since for the past eight months i have not had a flare up or any other effects of ulcerative colitis. should i start taking asacol again? what do think and what are your opnions?
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Q: should i start taking asacol again?
Answers (2)
7/30/08 3:08pm
Hi Jay,
Since we aren't doctors and we don't know your 'case' we can't really make that decision for you. But, here are some ideas for you to help you make the decision - Have you had a colonoscopy recently? If so, what did it show?
Even though some patients have no current UC symptoms, inflammation in the colon can be found upon examination with a colonoscopy. And there is some new evidence that untreated inflammation in the colon, even in the absence of symptoms, can increase an IBD patients risk of developing colon cancer. Because 5-ASA drugs, such as Asacol, reduce inflammation in the colon so the theory goes that your colon cancer risks are also decreased.
So, it seems like a more detailed discussion with your doctor is needed. Ask him/her specifically why they are recommending you continue to take Asacol.
Good luck,
Elizabeth
2/10/09 4:01pm
I recently asked myself the same question. I have only had a flare up ever since being diagnosed with UC. I have been doing great with Asacol but it's not cheap. I stopped to taking it to see what would happen. I guess I just wanted to know if I truely had UC or just an acute attack of colitis. My symptoms returned in 2.5 days. Needless to day, I will be starting back on the Asacol immediately.
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