DRUG TITLE

Asacol (Mesalamine)

USE OF THE MEDICINE

Asacol is used to treat various forms of light and medium ulcerative colitis (inflammation of the colon). Asacol may also be used for other cases, certain physician.

HOW TO TAKE THE MEDICINE

For the treatment of light and medium active ulcerative colitis: The usual adult dosage is two 400 mg tablets to be taken three times a day for a total daily dose of 2.4 grams for a period of 6 weeks.

In order to maintain remission of ulcerative colitis: The recommended dose for adults is 1.6 g per day in divided doses. The duration of treatment in the long term, well-controlled study was 6 months.
Two tablets of 400 mg Asacol were not identified bioequivalent one tablet of Asacol HD 800 mg.

Take Asacol with a full glass of water.
Asacol can usually be taken with or without food. Follow your doctor.
Do not crush, do not break, or chew the tablets. Swallow them whole.
The tablet has a special enteric-coated shell to protect your stomach. Fissure pill could damage this coating.

Call your doctor if you find undissolved tablets in your stool.

Store Asacol at room temperature in a dry and warm place.

THE  MECHANISM OF ACTION

Asacol tablets latency facilitation of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA). It works by preventing the production of substances that cause inflammation of the colon.

MISSED DOSE

If you miss a Asacol, take it as soon as possible. If kit is time for your next dose, skip the missed taking the drug and return to your normal schedule the reception. Do not do 2 doses at once.

STORAGE

Store this medication at room temperature in a tightly closed container away from heat and light.

PRECAUTIONS MEASURES

Do not use Asacol if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Asacol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), or salicylates (e.g. aspirin)
• you are under 18 years old and you have the flu or chickenpox, or you received a live vaccine (e.g., chickenpox, flu) in the last 6 weeks
• you are taking probenecid or sulfinpyrazone

Contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately if any of this applies to you.

Before using Asacol:

Some medical conditions may interact with Asacol. Tell your doctor  if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following applies to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast-feeding
• If you are taking any prescribed or non-prescription medicines, herbal preparation, or dietary supplements
• if you are allergic to any drugs (including sulfasalazine), food or other substances
• if you have had a stroke, brain hemorrhage or aneurysm
• if you have liver or kidney disease, certain stomach problems (pyloric stenosis), pancreas (e.g. pancreatitis), Kawasaki syndrome, or rheumatoid (inflammatory) disease (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis)
• if you have heart problems (such as inflammation of the bag around your heart)
• if you have the flu or chickenpox, or you have recently received live vaccines (e.g., chickenpox, flu)

Some medicines may interact with Asacol. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Ginkgo biloba, as may occur side-effects such as increased bleeding,
• Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) because they may decrease the effectiveness of Asacol
• carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (e.g., acetazolamide), insulin, meglitinid, antidiabetic agents (e.g., repaglinide), sulfonylureas (e.g., glipizide), or valproic acid because the risk of their side effects may be increased.
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (e.g., enalapril), anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin), beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol), probenecid, spironolactone, or sulfinpyrazone because their effectiveness may be reduced

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may happen. Ask your doctor whether Asacol interact with other medications you are taking. Consult with your doctor before you start or stop taking or change the dosage of any medicine.

Side Effects

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Diarrhea; gas; headache; mild stomach discomfort or pain; nausea; runny or stuffy nose.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blood in the urine; bloody diarrhea; bloody or coffee ground-like vomit; change in the amount of urine; chest pain; dark urine; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; severe or persistent headache; severe or sudden stomach pain or cramping; shortness of breath; unusual bruising or bleeding; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

If you have any questions about Asacol Delayed-Release Tablets, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Asacol Delayed-Release Tablets are to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.