MESALAMINE vs ROWASA

Independent side-by-side comparison.

Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated October 8, 2026·How we rate

Attribute	MESALAMINE	ROWASA
Rating	72/100	70/100
Pharmacy pays	~$26.72 /30	~$26.72 /30
Type	RX	RX
Active ingredient	MESALAMINE	MESALAMINE
Manufacturer	Actavis Mid Atlantic	Meda Pharms
Dosage forms	Capsule, delayed release, Capsule, extended release, Enema, Suppository, Suspension, Tablet, delayed release, Kit	Suspension
Drug class	Aminosalicylate	Aminosalicylate
Boxed warning	None	None
Half-life	about 7 to 9 hours (apparent terminal half-life)	about 7 to 9 hours (apparent terminal half-life)
Treats	Ulcerative Colitis, Proctitis, Sigmoid Diseases	Ulcerative Colitis, Proctitis, Sigmoid Diseases

mesalamine rowasa

Rating

72/100

70/100

Pharmacy pays

~$26.72 /30

Type

Active ingredient

MESALAMINE

Manufacturer

Actavis Mid Atlantic

Meda Pharms

Dosage forms

Capsule, delayed release, Capsule, extended release, Enema, Suppository, Suspension, Tablet, delayed release, Kit

Suspension

Drug class

Aminosalicylate

Boxed warning

None

Half-life

about 7 to 9 hours (apparent terminal half-life)

Treats

Ulcerative Colitis, Proctitis, Sigmoid Diseases

Frequently asked questions

Which is better-rated, Mesalamine or Rowasa?

By our independent rating, Mesalamine scores higher — 3.6 vs 3.5 out of 5 for Rowasa. Ratings are based on FDA regulatory (recall-safety) data.

Which is cheaper, Mesalamine or Rowasa?

Pharmacies pay about the same to acquire either one — roughly $26.72 for a 30-count supply, per the CMS NADAC survey. That is not what you will be charged: your price is set by your insurer and the pharmacy, not by what the drug cost them.

What is the difference between Mesalamine and Rowasa?

Both Mesalamine and Rowasa share the active ingredient Mesalamine.

Ratings are based on FDA regulatory (recall-safety) data. This comparison is for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional before choosing or switching a medication.