Asacol Shut Down by FDA -- Are We Safe?!

I took Asacol for 17 years, and another family member has been taking it about the same.  Needless to say, we were horrified to learn this week that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has asked the Asacol manufacturer to discontinue the drug, which millions have likely taken, due to safety concerns.  The coating of the drug is a product also used in rocket fuel, nail polish remover, and a host of other substances one would never dream of putting in her body!

I have many concerns, as do hundreds of thousands, if not millions of consumers.  In particular, the ambiguous information about implications on a fetus. We trust the FDA, the drug manufacturers, and a host of other partners to keep us safe.  It's news like this that reminds us we are never truly safe.

I'd like to know the answers to some key questions:

• Why is there not a mass notification going out, via mail, on tv newscasts, etc.. letting anyone who has ever taken Asacol know of the safety concerns and recall?  If there were a major car recall due to a critical safety issue it would be all over the news and owners would be getting email or mail notifications.  And why on God's green earth does the drug manufacturer not even have a posting on their website?  We found out because my family member went to the pharmacy to pick up the drug and were then told it was being discontinued.  The pharmacy had no knowledge of why.

•  What can we expect as next steps?  Will we be able to be tested to check the harmful exposure levels?  How will I know the potential effects in having a child?

Please join me in calling for more information sharing, whether that be from the drug manufacturer, CCFA or others.

We have a right for information and due diligence!