it dissolves earlier than Asacol, so it's better for patients with small intestine involvement as well as large. It's pain to take though because it tends to dissolve if you can't swallow it instantly. The Asacol can even be taken without water but it's coated so it doesn't dissolve quick enough.

What happened with me, and seems to be the normal protocol, is reducing inflammation quickly with steroids and Pentasa/Asacol at the same time, then tapering off the steroids and letting the Pentasa/Asacol maintain the level of inflammation. On its own it may not be enough to reduce the inflammation since your husband has been suffering so long.

I'd chat more, but my DH is about to get to a locked door, and I don't want him ringing the doorbell and disturbing my parents!! Hope the Pentasa doesn't cause any trouble (it shouldn't, other than actually swallowing it!) and ask if you've got any questions. I think Becky will know more than me since she's been dealing with this so much longer than I have.

Kerri.