Question 1

Will I need to take this drug long term?

Accepted Answer

Apriso ER is typically used as a long-term treatment to help keep your ulcerative colitis in remission, meaning it helps prevent your symptoms from returning. If you and your doctor decide that Apriso ER is safe and works well for you, you’ll likely need to continue taking it long-term to maintain your health and manage your condition.

Question 2

Do I need to take Apriso ER at a certain time of the day?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it’s recommended that you take your dose of Apriso ER in the morning. You can take it before, after, or with your breakfast—whichever works best for you. The key is to take it at the same time each day to maintain consistent levels of the medication in your body. This helps ensure the drug works effectively over time. It’s important to create a routine and stick to it to maximize the benefits of the medication and manage your symptoms properly./

Question 3

Will Apriso ER cure my ulcerative colitis?

Accepted Answer

No, unfortunately, there is currently no cure for ulcerative colitis. However, Apriso ER can help you manage the condition. It works to reduce your symptoms and can put your ulcerative colitis into remission, meaning the symptoms stop. This is known as inducing remission. Apriso ER can also help keep your ulcerative colitis under control over time and prevent your symptoms from coming back. This is called maintaining remission. Studies show that taking Apriso ER every day can help maintain remission in about 70% of people with ulcerative colitis. While it doesn’t cure the condition, it plays an important role in keeping your symptoms in check.

Question 4

Is Apriso ER a steroid?

Accepted Answer

No, Apriso ER is not a steroid. It belongs to a group of medications called aminosalicylates. Aminosalicylates work in a similar way to steroids by reducing inflammation in your bowel, but they are different from steroids and usually cause fewer side effects. Steroids can sometimes have significant side effects, while aminosalicylates like Apriso ER offer a more targeted approach to managing inflammation with a generally safer side effect profile.

Question 5

Is Apriso ER safe for use by older adults?

Accepted Answer

Yes, older adults can safely use Apriso ER. However, as with any medication, doctors may take extra care when prescribing it to older individuals. As we age, our kidneys, liver, and heart may not work as efficiently, which can make some side effects more likely. In rare cases, mesalamine (the active ingredient in Apriso ER) can affect blood cells, and this is more common in people aged 65 and older. Older adults are also more likely to have other health conditions and take other medications that could influence how Apriso ER works. If you're 65 or older, your doctor may run some additional tests before starting you on Apriso ER to ensure it's safe for you. They may also recommend more frequent tests while you're taking the medication to check for any unwanted effects.

Question 6

Will I need to take Apriso ER long term?

Accepted Answer

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a long-term condition. While Apriso ER helps manage your symptoms during remission (when your symptoms are not active), you may need to continue taking it for a long time to keep your UC under control. Even when your UC is in remission, you're still living with the condition, so ongoing treatment with Apriso ER may be necessary to maintain that remission and prevent flare-ups. If you're wondering how long you'll need to take Apriso ER, it's best to have a conversation with your doctor to determine the right treatment plan for your needs.

Question 7

How long does it take for Apriso ER to start working?

Accepted Answer

Apriso ER begins working in your body to reduce the inflammation caused by UC (ulcerative colitis) right after your first dose. However, it might take several weeks of consistent use before you notice a reduction in your symptoms. It's important to continue taking the medication as prescribed, even if you don't see immediate results.