Posted 10/4/2012 11:29 PM (GMT -5)
Hi there
Are you pregnant?
I found out about the pthalate coating on asacol after I had my second baby but while I was still nursing him....a bit late to do anything about it. It did scare me at that time, due to recent research that has linked the metabolite of dibutyl phalate with behavioral issues in children. Anyhow, it was very difficult to get any answers about both the blood/breast milk levels of this metabolite in those taking asacol and/or the possible effects on children. The truth of the matter is, no one really has any answers. In fact, after speaking to my children's pediatrician, contacting Dr Hale's (breast feeding expert in Texas) clinic and speaking with the pharmaceutical company that makes asacol, it became fairly apparent that I seemed to know more about this than any of them.
Anyhow, my kids are great. Reaching all their developmental goals on time etc. if that is any reassurance. Their are many, many environmental factors that can effect children positively and negatively. In my case, this pthalate coating is just one of those possible things, one I have no control over. Had I known about this at the beginning of my pregnancy I don't know what I would have done. I don't envy your position because there really are no answers to be found. I researched it alot. Nothing is about the effect of this pthalate is clear. I have taken comfort I the fact that I try to provide my children with as many of the positive type of environmental influences that I do have control over as possible.
If you have have any more questions I could try to answer them with the little information I gained. jo