Outcomes of a drug shortage requiring switching in patients with ulcerative colitis

Figure 1 Change in equivalent mesalazine dose with switch from balsalazide to alternative aminosalicylate agent.

Figure 2 Flow chart depicting the switch to alternative aminosalicylate resulting from the balsalazide shortage, with adverse effect rate of 35. 5% occurring immediately post-switch, which in all cases resolved upon return to balsalazide.

Figure 3 Long term outcome of balsalazide drug shortage on market share through to five years follow-up (compared to persistence on alternative aminosalicylate therapy).

Figure 4 Comparison of rates of Clinical remission and Endoscopic remission over multiple timepoints in those who switched to and remained on alternative aminosalicylate vs those who switched back and remained on balsalazide. A: Clinical remission; B: Endoscopic remission.