Presence

Generic versions of the popular drug Colazal, commonly used to treat ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are now available; just ask your pharmacist.

I got a pleasent surprise today when I refilled my monthly prescription: instead of the normal $45 for Colazal, my pharmacist gave me a the generic balsalazide disodium, which was free under my prescription plan. At times I've paid over $300 for a month's supply of Colazal, so this is good news for those with Crohn's and colitis.

Salix, owner's of the original patent for Colazal, had convinced the FDA to extend their exclusive rights to manufacture the drug. And just as their exclusive rights to Colazal expired, Salix submitted an application to the FDA for a new colitis drug.