Don’t let the high cost of brand colonic 5-ASA therapy disrupt your IBD maintenance. We help eligible patients access Dipentum (olsalazine sodium) for as little as $69.95 per month through the manufacturer’s Patient Assistance Program.
The Dipentum Prescription Assistance Program is a manufacturer-sponsored initiative that provides Dipentum at little or no medication cost to qualifying patients based on income and insurance status. The program is designed for UC maintenance patients who are uninsured or underinsured.
Navigating the program on your own means dealing with eligibility verification, gastroenterology coordination, prior-authorization documentation, and renewal deadlines.
AffordMyPrescriptions eliminates that burden. For a flat $69.95 per month, our Patient Advocates handle every step of your enrollment, from initial application through ongoing refill coordination and annual re-certification.
| Pharmacy(With Coupon) | PrIce (30-Day)* | You Save W/ Us |
|---|---|---|
| Walgreens (brand) | ~$680 | Save ~$610/mo |
| CVS Pharmacy (brand) | ~$700 | Save ~$630/mo |
| Walmart (brand) | ~$540 | Save ~$470/mo |
| Costco (brand) | ~$520 | Save ~$450/mo |
Generic olsalazine | ~$200 | Generic — lower |
*Just a heads-up — retail prices are estimates based on public data and vary by pharmacy. AffordMyPrescriptions Advocacy Service bypasses this by using drug manufacturer programs to secure your medication directly at no cost or retail price.
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The Patient Assistance Program is free to apply for and provides Dipentum at no medication cost if approved. Our $69.95/month service covers full advocacy. With generic olsalazine and many other oral mesalamine alternatives available at low cost, we’ll help your gastroenterologist determine the best path.
Complete a simple eligibility form so our team can determine if you may qualify for medication assistance programs.
Our specialists help gather documentation, complete applications, and coordinate with program providers.
Once approved, you may receive your medication through the assistance program while we help manage ongoing paperwork and renewals.
Many patients try discount cards first. Here’s why the Patient Assistance Program through AffordMyPrescriptions is the better long-term solution for Dipentum:
Still $500–$700 per month even with the best discount
Eligibility is generally determined by annual household income and insurance status. Most programs follow guidelines that include limits of up to $40,000 for individuals, $60,000 for couples, and $100,000 for larger families. Because requirements vary by program and household, we encourage you to contact AffordMyPrescriptions directly so we can review your specific situation and determine if you qualify for Dipentum assistance.
Not sure if you qualify? Our pre-qualification check is completely free. If we can’t help, you won’t be charged.
Dificid (fidaxomicin) is narrow-spectrum macrocyclic antibiotic targeting C. difficile while preserving normal gut microbiome. First-line CDI treatment per IDSA/SHEA 2021 guidelines — reduces recurrence vs oral vancomycin.
How Dipentum works:
Sulfasalazine was the original 5-ASA prodrug — sulfapyridine linked to 5-ASA, cleaved by colonic bacteria. Sulfasalazine releases sulfapyridine, which is responsible for most of its side effects (rash, nausea, headache, hemolysis, infertility in males). Many patients become intolerant of sulfasalazine over time.
Olsalazine (Dipentum) was designed as a sulfa-free alternative — it links 5-ASA to itself via an azo bond, releasing two molecules of 5-ASA in the colon (and no sulfapyridine). 5-ASA reduces colonic inflammation through multiple mechanisms (inhibition of leukotriene/prostaglandin synthesis, PPARγ activation, NF-κB inhibition). The most common side effect of olsalazine — secretory diarrhea — limits its use for some patients.
Form and use:
Dipentum is taken as 500 mg twice daily by mouth for UC maintenance — typical dose 1 g/day in 2 divided doses. Take with food to reduce GI side effects. Drink plenty of fluids. Do not crush or chew capsules.
Generic availability:
Generic olsalazine sodium is available in the U.S. at lower cost than brand Dipentum. Other oral 5-ASA products: mesalamine controlled-release capsules (Pentasa, generic — small bowel and colon release), mesalamine pH-dependent tablets (Asacol HD/Delzicol, generic — colon-targeted), Lialda (mesalamine MMX, once-daily, generic — colonic), Apriso (mesalamine, once-daily, generic), and balsalazide (Colazal, generic — another azo-linked sulfa-free prodrug similar to olsalazine). Sulfasalazine (generic, very cheap — but intolerance is common). Most patients can access a 5-ASA product at low cost via generics.
Warnings:
Dipentum carries warnings for secretory diarrhea (very common — affects ~17% of patients; often the limiting side effect; usually responds to dose reduction or temporary discontinuation), renal impairment (rare interstitial nephritis with the 5-ASA class — periodic renal monitoring), hypersensitivity reactions, pancreatitis (rare), pericarditis/myocarditis (rare), and severe cutaneous reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (rare).
Brand Dipentum costs approximately $500–$700 per 30-day supply. Generic olsalazine is cheaper. Through AffordMyPrescriptions, qualifying patients receive Dipentum at no medication cost — our $69.95 monthly fee covers full advocacy and program management.
Dipentum is FDA-approved specifically for UC maintenance in patients who are intolerant of sulfasalazine. The 5-ASA component is the same as in other mesalamine products, but the delivery method (azo-linked prodrug cleaved by colonic bacteria) differs from pH-dependent or time-dependent oral mesalamines. Choice between Dipentum and other 5-ASAs (Pentasa, Asacol, Lialda) often depends on insurance coverage and side-effect profile
Olsalazine causes secretory diarrhea (different from UC-related diarrhea) in about 17% of patients — likely due to a direct effect of olsalazine on intestinal water/electrolyte secretion. Often the limiting side effect. Taking Dipentum with food, dose reduction, or temporary discontinuation typically helps. Tell your gastroenterologist about persistent or new-onset diarrhea that doesn’t match your usual UC pattern.
Both are azo-linked 5-ASA prodrugs cleaved by colonic bacteria. Sulfasalazine releases 5-ASA AND sulfapyridine — sulfapyridine causes most sulfasalazine side effects (rash, nausea, headache, hemolysis, infertility in males). Dipentum releases two 5-ASAs and no sulfapyridine — eliminating the sulfa-related side effects but adding the olsalazine-specific secretory diarrhea. Dipentum is specifically indicated for sulfasalazine-intolerant patients.
Dipentum is FDA-approved for UC maintenance specifically. For active disease, other 5-ASA products (Pentasa, Asacol, Lialda) and topical treatments (Rowasa enemas, Canasa suppositories) are typically used at higher doses with the addition of corticosteroids or other agents if needed. Discuss with your gastroenterologist.
If denied, we explore alternatives — switching to generic olsalazine, generic balsalazide (Colazal — similar azo-linked sulfa-free 5-ASA), generic mesalamine (Pentasa, Asacol, Lialda, Apriso — many generics available), generic sulfasalazine if tolerated, the manufacturer’s copay program for commercially insured patients, or independent foundations such as the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, PAN Foundation, or HealthWell Foundation. If we cannot find a path, you won’t be charged our service fee.
If you are struggling with the high cost of Dipentum, our team may be able to help you access assistance programs — or guide you to generic olsalazine or another 5-ASA option. Check your eligibility today.
Start free by filling out a simple online form.
Our specialist will contact you for a quick welcome call.
Our team handles everything, so you can focus on your health.