Asacol was a popular medication used to treat mild to moderate symptoms of ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease. In March 2019, the manufacturer of Asacol, Warner Chilcott, announced it would cease manufacturing and distributing the drug in the U.S. This decision caused confusion among patients and raised questions about why this medication, which had been available for over 30 years, was discontinued.
Reasons Behind Discontinuation
The primary reason behind the discontinuation of Asacol is that its patent expired in 2015, allowing generic versions of the drug to be released into the market at significantly lower prices. This significantly decreased sales for Warner Chilcott and made it difficult for them to remain profitable with Asacol.
Additionally, several reports have linked aspirin-containing medications such as Asacol to increased risk of heart attack or stroke when taken regularly over long periods. Clinical research studies have not officially confirmed these claims but nonetheless contributed to some people avoiding or stopping the use of Asacol altogether.
Alternatives To Asacol
For those who relied on Asacol prior to its discontinuation, several other drugs available today can provide similar relief from ulcerative colitis symptoms. These include mesalamine-containing medications like Lialda and Apriso, as well as steroids such as prednisone and budesonide. The effectiveness of these drugs can vary per person, so it is important to speak with your doctor in order to determine which treatment will work best for you.
