Asacol HD

Mesalamine 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. 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

  Stomach upset, nausea/vomiting, constipation, headache, or joint/muscle pain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. You may sometimes see whole or partial tablets/capsules in your stool. If this occurs frequently, tell your doctor. You may not be absorbing enough of the medication. Remember that your doctor has prescribed Asacol HD because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Asacol HD do not have serious side effects. Infrequently, mesalamine can worsen ulcerative colitis. Tell your doctor right away if your symptoms worsen after starting Asacol HD (such as increased abdominal pain/cramping, bloody diarrhea, fever). Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects,signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine), dark urine, persistent nausea/vomiting, severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, chest pain, shortness of breath. A very serious allergic reaction to Asacol HD is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction,rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), 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. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

  List of Mesalamine side effects

• 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 when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.