ROWASA (mesalamine rectal enema 4 g/60 mL) Patient Assistance Program

Don’t let the high cost of brand topical 5-ASA enema therapy disrupt your IBD treatment. We help eligible patients access Rowasa (mesalamine rectal enema 4 g/60 mL) for as little as $69.95 per month through the manufacturer’s Patient Assistance Program.

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Key ​Takeaways:

What Is Rowasa Prescription Assistance Program?

The Rowasa Prescription Assistance Program is a manufacturer-sponsored initiative that provides Rowasa at little or no medication cost to qualifying patients based on income and insurance status. The program is designed for distal UC 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 renewal.

Pharmacy Price Comparison

Pharmacy(With Coupon)PrIce (30-Day)*You Save W/ Us
Walgreens (brand)

~$420/pack

Save ~$350/pack

CVS Pharmacy (brand)

~$450/pack

Save ~$380/pack

Walmart (brand)

~$330/pack

Save ~$260/pack

Costco (brand)

~$310/pack

Save ~$240/pack

Generic mesalamine enema

~$80/pack

Already low

*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.

Our Pricing:

$69.95 Per month

1 Medications

$79.95 Per Month

2 Medications

$89.95 Per Month

3 Medications

$99.95 Per Month

4+ Medications

Why choose us For Your Rowasa Prescription Program?

The Patient Assistance Program is free to apply for and provides Rowasa at no medication cost if approved. Our $69.95/month service covers full advocacy. With generic mesalamine enemas widely available at much lower cost, generic is usually the cheaper path for most patients.

Enroll

Complete a simple eligibility form so our team can determine if you may qualify for medication assistance programs.

We Advocate

Our specialists help gather documentation, complete applications, and coordinate with program providers.

Receive Medication

Once approved, you may receive your medication through the assistance program while we help manage ongoing paperwork and renewals.

Discount Coupons vs. Patient Assistance Programs

Many patients try discount cards first. Here’s why the Patient Assistance Program through AffordMyPrescriptions is the better long-term solution for Rowasa:

Limitations of Coupons

  • Prices fluctuate — savings aren’t guaranteed month-to-month
  • Copay accumulators may prevent savings from counting toward deductible
  • Coupon cards expire and require constant renewal
  • Still $300–$450/pack per month even with the best discount

  • Can’t be used with Medicare, Medicaid, or government insurance
  •  

Advantages of PAP Through Us

  • Fixed $69.95/month — never changes regardless of retail price
  • No expiration — continuous access as long as you qualify
  • Medication supplied directly through the assistance program
  • We manage all paperwork, refills, and annual renewals
  • If denied, we explore alternative savings on your behalf

DO YOU QUALIFY?

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 Rowasa assistance.

Not sure if you qualify?  Our pre-qualification check is completely free. If we can’t help, you won’t be charged.

Understanding Rowasa:

Rowasa (mesalamine rectal suspension enema) is a topical 5-ASA preparation used to deliver mesalamine directly to the rectum, sigmoid colon, and descending colon (typically up to the splenic flexure). It is particularly useful for distal UC — where the inflammation is in the left side of the colon and rectum.

How Rowasa Works:

Mesalamine enemas target distal ulcerative colitis by delivering high local drug concentrations directly to the inflamed rectum and lower colon with minimal systemic absorption. The medication reduces inflammation through multiple pathways, including blocking inflammatory pathways and scavenging reactive oxygen species. The 60 mL volume is specifically designed to reach up to the splenic flexure, retaining the drug for hours of sustained mucosal contact. For active disease, this topical approach is often more effective than oral treatment alone, and combining both provides additive benefits.

Form and use:

Rowasa is administered rectally as a single 60 mL enema at bedtime while the patient lies on their left side, allowing for ideal overnight retention. If necessary, a water or saline cleansing enema can be used beforehand to clear stool from the bowel. For active distal colitis, the typical regimen requires nightly use for 3 to 6 weeks. Once the condition is stable, maintenance dosing usually transitions to every other night or three nights per week.

Generic availability:

Generic mesalamine rectal enemas are widely available in the U.S. and offer a substantially lower-cost alternative to the brand-name Rowasa. Depending on the extent of the disease, other topical options include suppositories for isolated rectal inflammation, as well as steroid-based enemas and foams. For patients with more extensive ulcerative colitis that spreads beyond the lower colon, various oral mesalamine products and their generics are also available.

Warnings:

While generally well-tolerated, Rowasa carries rare risks of renal impairment, meaning patients require periodic kidney monitoring. It can also cause severe but rare complications such as acute intolerance syndrome, pancreatitis, heart inflammation (pericarditis/myocarditis), and serious skin reactions. Additionally, because Rowasa enemas contain sulfites, they can trigger allergic reactions in individuals with a known sulfite hypersensitivity.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

How Much Does Rowasa Cost Without Insurance?

Brand Rowasa costs approximately $300–$450 per 7-enema pack. Generic mesalamine enemas are dramatically cheaper, often $40–$120 per pack with a coupon. Through AffordMyPrescriptions, qualifying patients receive Rowasa at no medication cost — our $69.95 monthly fee covers full advocacy and program management. Most patients find generic mesalamine enema is the cheaper path.

Yes. The FDA approves generic mesalamine rectal enema as bioequivalent to brand Rowasa. Most gastroenterologists are comfortable with generic; most insurance plans prefer generic

Use at bedtime. Lie on your left side with left leg straight and right leg flexed (knee bent toward chest). Shake the enema bottle well. Remove protective cap. Insert tip gently into rectum. Squeeze the bottle slowly until empty. Remove the tip. Stay on your left side for at least 30 minutes (ideally overnight) to allow medication to reach the descending colon. Some patients find it helpful to elevate hips slightly for the first 30 minutes.

Many patients see initial symptom improvement within 1–2 weeks of nightly use. Maximum response typically by 4–6 weeks. After remission is achieved, maintenance can often be tapered to every-other-night or 3 nights per week. Don’t stop suddenly when symptoms improve; discuss tapering with your gastroenterologist.

Yes — for left-sided UC, combining oral mesalamine (Pentasa, Lialda, etc.) with topical mesalamine (Rowasa enema or Canasa suppository) provides additive benefit and higher remission rates than either alone. This is a guideline-supported approach for moderate distal UC.

Tell your gastroenterologist. Rowasa enemas contain sulfites that can cause allergic reactions in sensitive patients. If you have known sulfite allergy or asthma, the sulfite content may be problematic. Generic formulations may also contain sulfites. Sulfite-free mesalamine options or alternative formulations may be considered.

If denied, we explore alternatives — switching to generic mesalamine enema (much cheaper), mesalamine rectal suppositories (Canasa, generic — for proctitis only), hydrocortisone enema (Cortenema, generic), budesonide rectal foam (Uceris foam), 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.

Take Control of Your Medication Costs

If you are struggling with the high cost of Rowasa, our team may be able to help you access assistance programs — or guide you to generic mesalamine enema. Check your eligibility today.

Submit Enrollment Form

Start free by filling out a simple online form.

Receive Welcome Call

Our specialist will contact you for a quick welcome call.

We Manage The Process

Our team handles everything, so you can focus on your health.

Receive Welcome Call

We Manage The Process