What is Asacol (Mesalazine) used for?

Asacol (Mesalazine) is an oral medication prescribed to treat patients suffering from inflammatory bowel conditions such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. It operates by preventing the release of enzymes in the body that cause swelling, pain, and inflammation associated with these conditions. Your physician may also recommend its use for other unlisted conditions.

How should I use Asacol (Mesalazine)?

Always follow your physician's instructions while using Asacol (Mesalazine) to get the most effective results from treatment. The typical dosage is one tablet administered four times each day, but your individual instructions will depend on the condition being treated, your current health, and the severity of your symptoms. These should be swallowed whole and unaltered along with a large glass of water and may be taken on an empty stomach, but a meal or snack is recommended prior to use if you experience nausea. Do not crush or split the tablets prior to use as this may destroy or alter the effects of their contents.

What are the side effects of Asacol (Mesalazine)?

The use of Asacol (Mesalazine) may cause side effects in some patients such as:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Gassiness or flatulence
• Nausea or vomiting
• Upset stomach or diarrhea
• Unusual hair loss

Serious side effects that may require emergency medical attention are severe stomach pain, liver inflammation, deterioration of inflammatory bowel conditions, decreased blood cell count, pancreatitis, or kidney failure. These conditions may require lower doses or reduced frequency of administration to prevent further health complications from occurring.

Please Note

Do not begin using Asacol (Mesalazine) if you are allergic to salicylate medications or if you have blood disorders, decreased liver function, or decreased kidney function. Also inform your physician if you are allergic to sulfasalazine medications, have asthma, decreased liver function, or decreased kidney function as these condition may cause unexpected health problems during treatment requiring special alterations to your regimen.

Strictly follow all instructions provided to you by your physician or pharmacist while using Brand (Generic). Optimum and safe dosage can differ based on the patient and the condition being treated.

As this medication may be unsafe for certain patients, it is essential you always inform your physician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as if you have any allergies, other illnesses, or ongoing health conditions, and if you are taking any other form of medication, supplements, or herbal products.

Immediately seek emergency medical care if you have an allergic or hypersensitive reaction. Common signs of a reaction include hives, swelling, skin rashes, chest pains, as well as trouble breathing or swallowing.