Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis Support Group
Crohn's disease is a systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) of unknown cause, that results in chronic inflammation of the intestinal tract. It can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus, and can also cause complications outside of the gastrointestinal tract. There is no known medical or surgical cure for Crohn's disease, but there are many medical...
I am currently in remission with ulcerative colitis. I had been taking Delzicol for years with decent success. I switched to Balsalazide due to cost and my insurance. I just have a question for anyone who has taken Balsalazide. I seem to have some side effects occurring that I never had with Delzicol. I have alot of sinus problems, stuffiness, sinus headaches, joint and muscle pain and weakness, and some general fatigue. Just curious if this is all in my head or not. I read the side effects, and it does state these, but then again, Delzicol has alot of these side effects as well. I thought about going for bloodwork to make sure I am healthy, but I did go in Jan and everything was fine. I started taking Balsalazide about 6 weeks ago and started having these symptoms. My dilemma is cost. $95 for 3 months versus $1400. I am so thankful I am in remission but I am also not myself and don't feel well.
rcaschbacher
I suggest talking to your Doctor. They will be able to tell you better if it is the medication or something else. If you decide you want the former medication you might check to see if you can get a discount card/number online from the manufacturer. I use a manufacturer discount for one of my medications to help make it affordable for me.
rmb
I started on Colazal which was a brand version of balsalazide and was on it for several years, before switching to azathioprine. I never had side affects with it, but I had the weird sinus issues and sinus headaches almost daily with azathioprine for the first 2-3 months I was on it. It did get better after that, for me anyway. So yeah, mention it your doc and see if it's something that is expected to improve eventually. Also, your pharmacist is a good resource for side effects and whether they improve or if it's truly something you're just not tolerating well.
strongbeliever
I talked to a pharmacist about this. Both Delzicol and Balsalazide are in the same drug class and have similar side effects. I just never had them on Delzicol. I guess I will just stick it out and see how it goes. the side effects are nothing in comparison to being in the middle of a flare so I can deal with this!
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