Asacol HD

Asacol HD Drug Information

• Asacol HD Overview

  Asacol HD is used to treat a certain bowel disease (ulcerative colitis). It helps to reduce symptoms of ulcerative colitis such as diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and stomach pain. Mesalamine belongs to a class of drugs known as aminosalicylates. It works by decreasing swelling in the colon.

• How to Use Asacol HD

  Take Asacol HD by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 3 times daily. Swallow Asacol HD whole. Do not crush, chew, or break. Doing so can keep the drug from being released properly into the colon. The Dosage of Asacol HD is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. In children, the Dosage of Asacol HD is also based on weight. Different brands of Asacol HD deliver different amounts of medication. Do not switch brands without your doctor's permission and directions. Use Asacol HD regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

• Asacol HD Precautions

  Before taking mesalamine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other aminosalicylates (such as balsalazide, olsalazine); or to salicylates (such as aspirin, salsalate); or to sulfasalazine; or if you have any other allergies. Asacol HD may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Asacol HD, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,kidney disease, liver disease, stomach blockage (such as pyloric stenosis), skin problems (such as atopic dermatitis, eczema). Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Asacol HD is similar to aspirin. Children and teenagers should not take aspirin or aspirin-related medications (such as salicylates) if they have chickenpox, flu, or any undiagnosed illness, or if they have recently received a vaccine. In these cases, taking aspirin increases the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious illness. During pregnancy, Asacol HD should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Asacol HD passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Asacol HD Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Asacol HD, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Asacol HD Interactions

  Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Mesalamine is very similar to balsalazide, olsalazine, and sulfasalazine. Do not use medications containing balsalazide, olsalazine, or sulfasalazine while using mesalamine. Asacol HD may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including urine normetanephrine levels), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use Asacol HD.

• Asacol HD Side Effects

  What are Asacol HD side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Asacol HD may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Asacol HD as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Asacol HD

  The side effects of Asacol HD may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Asacol HD. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Asacol HD may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Asacol HD, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Asacol HD.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Asacol HD, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Asacol HD and the side effects associated with Asacol HD are described in the following:

  Common Asacol HD Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  • headache disorder
  • pharyngitis
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • abdominal pain with cramps
  • eructation
  • diarrhea
  • flatulence
  • Sinusitis
  • cough

  Less Frequent Asacol HD Side Effects

  Severe

  • abnormal hepatic function tests

  Less Severe

  • dyspepsia
  • pruritus of skin
  • alopecia
  • dizziness
  • skin rash
  • pain
  • constipation
  • malaise
  • peripheral edema
  • myalgias
  • conjunctivitis
  • general weakness
  • back pain
  • hypertension
  • Lethargy
  • xerostomia
  • stomatitis

  Rare or Very Rare Asacol HD Side Effects

  Severe

  • pericarditis
  • myocarditis
  • hypersensitivity pneumonitis
  • myelitis
  • hepatitis
  • acute pancreatitis
  • kidney disease with reduction in GFR
  • lupus-like syndrome
  • Jaundice
  • angioedema
  • interstitial nephritis
  • cholecystitis
  • gastrointestinal perforation
  • pyoderma gangrenosum
  • obstructive hyperbilirubinemia
  • gastrointestinal hemorrhage
  • hepatic failure
  • agranulocytosis
  • aplastic anemia
  • thrombocytopenic disorder
  • eosinophilia
  • leukopenia
  • pericardial effusion
  • Guillain-Barre syndrome
  • erythema nodosum
  • Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
  • Anaphylaxis
  • anemia
  • gout
  • eosinophilic pneumonia
  • asthma exacerbation
  • pleuritis
  • DRESS syndrome
  • Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus
  • intracranial hypertension
  • rectal bleeding
  • cholestatic hepatitis

  Less Severe

  • gastritis
  • acne vulgaris
  • arthralgias
  • drowsy
  • fever
  • flu-like symptoms
  • anorexia
  • cramps
  • tachycardia
  • ocular pain
  • hypotension
  • chest pain
  • hyperhidrosis
  • Rhinitis
  • lymphadenopathy
  • urticaria
  • abdominal distension
  • tremor
  • facial edema
  • earache
  • oligospermia
  • peripheral neuropathy
  • renal failure
  • neck pain
  • edema
  • increased appetite
  • tinnitus
  • dysuria
  • hematuria
  • epididymitis
  • menorrhagia
  • acute confusion
  • sore throat
  • fatigue
  • tenesmus
  • skin photosensitivity
  • dyspnea
  • vertigo
  • hypertriglyceridemia

• Asacol HD Storage

  Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. If your medication bottle comes with a desiccant, keep the desiccant in the bottle with the medication. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Asacol HD when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.