Compare Delzicol vs. Rowasa

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Delzicol (mesalamine)

Prescription only

Rowasa (mesalamine)

Prescription only
Treats ulcerative colitis and helps prevent flares.

Delzicol (mesalamine) effectively reduces symptoms of a flare for mild to moderate ulcerative colitis in both children and adults, but can cause burping and stomach discomfort.

Treats mild to moderate ulcerative colitis.

Rowasa (mesalamine) effectively relieves symptoms of mild to moderate ulcerative colitis, but can only be used rectally so it only works on a small part of your intestines.

Upsides
  • Delzicol (mesalamine) effectively treats ulcerative colitis flares.
  • This drug is often used as the first-choice treatment in adults and children.
  • If you have trouble swallowing the drug whole, the pill can be opened and you can swallow the tablets inside.
  • Can be used in children 5 years and older.
  • Rowasa (mesalamine) is the first-choice treatment for disease at the far end of the colon.
  • Topical therapies, like enemas, provide a quicker response time than oral forms.
  • Rowasa (mesalamine) is only used once a day at bedtime.
  • Better tolerated and less side effects compared to the oral forms.
  • Available in a sulfite-free form, sfRowasa, for people who have a sulfite allergy.
Downsides
  • Treatment dosage must be taken 3 times a day for a total of 6 weeks.
  • Can take a few weeks before you start to feel the effects.
  • Delzicol (mesalamine) is not available as a cheaper, generic form.
  • Combination therapy with oral and rectal forms may be needed for some people.
  • This form of mesalamine isn't used for maintenance, only to help reduce flare symptoms.
  • Must keep the suspension in your rectum as long as you can (up to 8 hours).
  • Need to use Rowasa (mesalamine) for 3 to 6 weeks when treating disease.
  • Combination therapy with oral and rectal forms may be needed for some people.
  • Rowasa (mesalamine) can stain fabric, flooring, painted surfaces, marble, granite, vinyl, and enamel.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Delayed-release pill
  • Enema
Price
Lowest price
$697.21
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Lowest price
$180.08
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Reviews
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Side effects
9possible side effects
  • Burping
    26%
  • Abdominal pain
    21%
  • Constipation
    11%
  • Dizziness
    9%
  • Runny nose
    8%
  • Back pain
    6%
  • Rash
    6%
  • Upset stomach
    4%
  • Flu syndrome
    4%
See more detailed side effects
12possible side effects
  • Abdominal pain, cramps, or discomfort
    8%
  • Headache
    7%
  • Gas
    6%
  • Nausea
    6%
  • Flu
    5%
  • Tiredness
    3%
  • Fever
    3%
  • Rash
    3%
  • Cold/sore throat
    2%
  • Diarrhea
    2%
  • Leg/joint pain
    2%
  • Dizziness
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Kidney problems
    • Preexisting kidney problems
    • Taking medications toxic to the kidney
  • Liver problems
    • Preexisting liver problems
    • Taking other medications toxic to the liver
  • Serious allergic reactions
    • Sulfasalazine reaction
  • Abnormal response to Delzicol (mesalamine)
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Sulfite allergy
  • Abnormal reaction to Rowasa (mesalamine)
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Delzicol (mesalamine)
Learn more about Rowasa (mesalamine)