| Generic Name:
MESALAMINE
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| Drug Class:
Swelling/Inflammation Treatment
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| Description |
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Asacol is used to treat swelling and inflammation of the colon or rectum. It is often used to treat ulcerative colitis.
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| Proper
Use |
Swallow tablets whole. Do not crush or chew them. It is important for the outer coating of the tablet to remain intact for
the medication to reach the lower intestines.
Take Asacol® exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or take this more often than directed.
It may take up to 3 weeks for the effects of this medication to be noticed. If your symptoms do not improve or become worse while
taking this medication, contact your doctor.
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| Side
Effects |
Dizziness, indigestion, bloating, gas, belching or minor stomach ache may occur the first several days as your body adjusts
to Asacol. Constipation, diarrhea, weakness, hemorrhoids, cough, dry mouth, hair loss, acne, general body aches,
swelling of the feet or ankles (edema) or sweating may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your
doctor promptly.
Notify your doctor promptly if you develop: chest pain, fever, sore throat, headache, stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, rectal
pain, yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, unusual fatigue.
In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to Asacol®, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic
reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, breathing trouble.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
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| Precautions |
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, asthma, any allergies (especially to aspirin- like
medications or to sulfasalazine).
Asacol® 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.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using Asacol®.
Asacol® is excreted into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before
breast-feeding.
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| Drug
Interactions |
Tell your doctor of all over-the-counter and prescription medication you may use, especially of: methotrexate, oral diabetes
drugs, certain gout medicines (e.g., probenecid), sulfasalazine, olsalazine, acetazolamide-type drugs (CAI).
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
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| Overdose |
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If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the
US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.
Symptoms of overdose may include ringing in ears, headache, confusion, drowsiness, sweating, fast breathing, vomiting, and diarrhea.
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| Missed
Dose |
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If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
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| Storage |
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Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.
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| Disclaimer |
| The above
information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist
or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed
to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate,
or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional
before using this drug. |
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