Before using Canasa (mesalamine), tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other medications that are broken down into Canasa (mesalamine) (e.g., sulfasalazine, olsalazine); or to other ingredients in the suppository (e.g., saturated vegetable fatty acid esters); or to other salicylates (e.g., aspirin); or to any preservatives or dyes; or if you have any other allergies.
Before using Canasa (mesalamine), tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, pancreas problems (pancreatitis), inflammation of the sac around the heart (pericarditis), asthma.
Canasa (mesalamine) may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol, especially when combined with this medicine, may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Caution is advised when using Canasa (mesalamine) in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially kidney problems.
Canasa (mesalamine) is similar to aspirin. Children and teenagers should not take aspirin or aspirin-related medications (e.g., salicylates) if they have chickenpox, flu, or any undiagnosed illness, or if they have just been given a live virus vaccine (e.g., varicella vaccine), without first consulting a doctor about Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious illness.
Canasa (mesalamine) should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known if Canasa (mesalamine) passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Store below room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Do not freeze. Keep away from light, heat, and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Use Canasa (mesalamine) rectally, usually once to three times daily or as directed by your doctor. If using Canasa (mesalamine) once daily, use it at bedtime. Dosage of Canasa (mesalamine) is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
Canasa (mesalamine) works best if you have a bowel movement before using it. Wash your hands before using the medication. Unwrap the suppository right before using. Try to handle it as little as possible because heat from your fingers may cause it to melt. Lie down on your left side with right knee bent. Gently insert the suppository into the rectum with your finger, pointed end first. Use a small amount of lubricating gel on the tip of the suppository if desired. Remain lying down for a few minutes. Try to avoid having a bowel movement for 1 to 3 hours, keeping the suppository in place so the medicine can work.
Canasa (mesalamine) may stain surfaces that it touches (e.g., clothing, floor, and counter surfaces).
Use Canasa (mesalamine) regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.
Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Dizziness, rectal pain, pain when inserting the suppository, headache, gas, diarrhea, and mild hair loss may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Canasa (mesalamine) because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Canasa (mesalamine) do not have serious side effects.
Infrequently, Canasa (mesalamine) may make symptoms of your condition worse rather than better (acute intolerance syndrome or sensitivity reaction). Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of these unlikely but serious side effects: worsening stomach pain/cramping, worsening bloody diarrhea, fever, headache.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe stomach/abdominal pain (especially if spreading up the back), change in the amount of urine, easy bruising/bleeding, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), a man's ability to father a child.
A very serious allergic reaction to Canasa (mesalamine) is unlikely but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Click HERE to learn more about Canasa side effects.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
If you miss a dose of Canasa (mesalamine), use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
Before using Canasa (mesalamine), tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: drugs that may be harmful to your kidneys (e.g., NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, indomethacin), methotrexate.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.