Safely Buy Asacol ( Mesalamine ) from Canada Prescriptions Plus.

Indications

Asacol is a prescription medication used to treat ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease.

Asacol contains the active ingredient mesalamine and is available in delayed-release tablets of varying strengths.

Asacol is typically used to treat moderately active ulcerative colitis in adults and works by reducing inflammation in the colon. It may be used for the maintenance of remission in patients with ulcerative colitis.

Use and Dosage

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 3 times daily. Some brands should be taken on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details about your brand.

Swallow this medication whole. Do not crush, chew, or break. Doing so can keep the drug from being released properly into the colon.

Drink plenty of fluids during treatment with this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor. This will help prevent kidney stones.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. In children, the dosage is also based on weight. Different brands of this medication deliver different amounts of medication. Do not switch brands without your doctor’s permission and directions.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Asacol HD: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using Asacol HD and call your doctor at once if you have:

• Severe stomach pain, stomach cramping, bloody diarrhea
• Fever, headache, general ill feeling
• Rash, itching, and eye redness
• Bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Low white blood cell counts – fever, chills, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, feeling light-headed, trouble breathing
• Signs of a kidney stone – severe pain in your side and back, frequent need to urinate, foul-smelling urine, dark or cloudy urine
• Kidney problems – increased or decreased urination, swelling, weight gain
• Liver problems – loss of appetite, upper stomach pain, tiredness, easy bruising or bleeding, dark urine, clay-coloured stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Low white blood cell counts may be more likely in older adults

Common Asacol HD side effects may include:

• Burping, constipation, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, gas
• Dizziness
• Cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, and sore throat
• Back pain
• Headache
• Rash
• Abnormal liver function tests

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.

Cautions

Before taking mesalamine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other aminosalicylates (such as balsalazide, olsalazine); or salicylates (such as aspirin, salsalate); or sulfasalazine; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, and stomach blockage (such as pyloric stenosis).

This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun, especially if you have skin problems (such as atopic dermatitis, or eczema). Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

This medication is similar to aspirin. Children and teenagers younger than 18 years 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, this medication should be used only when needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Consult your pharmacist or physician.

Form and Strengths

Asacol is available in the following form and strengths:

• Asacol DR Tablet:
  • 400 mg
• Mesalamine DR Tablet:
  • 400 mg

FAQ

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

What should I avoid while taking Asacol HD?

If you have a skin condition such as eczema, Asacol HD could make you sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Resources:

1. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-9006/asacol-oral/details
2. https://www.drugs.com/asacol.html#side-effects
3. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/019651s023lbl.pdf