netFormulary

Lancashire and South Cumbria
Formulary

1 Gastro-intestinal system

01-05-01 Aminosalicylates
Most brands of oral mesalazine are not interchangeable as the delivery characteristics of enteric coated preparations vary, the brand should therefore be specified when prescribing mesalazine tablets. Octasa and Asacol however are very similar and may be used interchangeably. Octasa is the preferred brand

Mesalazine (oral)

Formulary

Mesalazine products should be prescribed by brand.

First line – Octasa

Second line – Pentasa and Salofalk

First line for swallowing difficulties – Pentasa and Salofalk

Patients prescribed Asacol should be switched to Octasa. Patients who cannot tolerate Octasa may remain on Asacol. (Asacol 400mg MR discontinued)

Patients prescribed Mezavant may remain on this brand.

Mesalazine (rectal)

Formulary

Mesalazine products should be prescribed by brand.
Formulary options include:
Pentasa liquid enema and suppositories.
Salofalk foam enema and suppositories.
Octasa suppositories.

Balsalazide Sodium

Formulary

Capsules 750mg

Sulfasalazine

Formulary

Tablets 500mg
e/c tablets 500mg
Liquid 250mg/5mL

LSCMMG: Sulfasalazine shared care guideline

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