how asacol works
mesalamine (oral/rectal) (me SAL a meen)
Asacol, Pentasa, Rowasa
What is the most important information I should know about Asacol?
• Do not crush, break, or chew the tablets or capsules how asacol works. Swallow them whole how asacol works. They are specially formulated to release the medication after they have passedthrough your stomach how asacol works.
• Notify your doctor if you repeatedly find undissolved tablets in yourstool how asacol works.
What is Asacol?
• The exact way that Asacol works is unknown, but it is believed to reducethe actions of a substance in the body that causes inflammation, tissue damage,and diarrhea how asacol works.
• Asacol is used to treat ulcerative colitis, proctitis, and proctosigmoiditis how asacol works. Asacol is also used to prevent the symptoms of ulcerative colitis from recurring how asacol works.
• Asacol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in thismedication guide how asacol works.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Asacol?
• Tell your doctor if you have any type of kidney disease how asacol works. You may requirea lower dose or special monitoring during your therapy with Asacol how asacol works.
• Asacol is in the FDA pregnancy category B how asacol works. This means that it is unlikelyto harm an unborn baby how asacol works. Do not take Asacol without first talking to your doctorif you are pregnant how asacol works.
• Asacol passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby how asacol works. Do nottake Asacol without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding ababy how asacol works.
How should I take Asacol?
• Take Asacol exactly as directed by your doctor how asacol works. If you do not understandthese directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you how asacol works.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water how asacol works.
• Asacol can be taken with or without food how asacol works.
• Do not crush, break, or chew the tablets or capsules how asacol works. Swallow them whole how asacol works. They are specially formulated to release the medication after they have passedthrough your stomach how asacol works.
• Notify your doctor if you repeatedly find undissolved tablets in yourstool how asacol works.
• Try to empty your bowel just before using a rectal form of mesalamine how asacol works.
• Insert the suppositories rectally how asacol works. Remove the foil wrapper and inserta suppository into the rectum, pointed end first how asacol works. Avoid excessive handling ofthe suppository, because it is designed to melt at body temperature how asacol works. Retainthe suppository for one to three hours, or longer, if possible to get the maximumbenefit from this medication how asacol works.
• Shake the rectal suspension well before use how asacol works. Remove the protective capfrom the applicator tip how asacol works. Hold the bottle at the neck to prevent any of the medicationfrom spilling out how asacol works. Gently insert the tip into the rectum, pointing toward thebelly button (umbilicus) how asacol works. Squeeze the bottle steadily to discharge most of themedication how asacol works. Retain the suspension overnight if possible to get the maximum benefitfrom this medication how asacol works.
• Use caution when applying the suppositories or rectal suspension how asacol works. Theseproducts may stain clothing, flooring, painted surfaces, vinyl, enamel, marble,granite, and other surfaces how asacol works.
• The rectal suspension may darken slightly in color how asacol works. Throw away any bottlesthat contain very dark brown liquid how asacol works.
• Store Asacol at room temperature away from moisture and heat how asacol works.
What happens if I miss a dose?
• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember how asacol works. However, if it is almosttime for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularlyscheduled dose how asacol works. Do not take a double dose of this medication how asacol works.
What happens if I overdose?
• Seek emergency medical attention how asacol works.
• Symptoms of a Asacol overdose include ringing in your ears, dizziness,headache, confusion, drowsiness, sweating, hyperventilation, vomiting, and diarrhea how asacol works.
What should I avoid while taking Asacol?
• Use caution when applying the suppositories or rectal suspension how asacol works. Theseproducts may stain clothing, flooring, painted surfaces, vinyl, enamel, marble,granite, and other surfaces how asacol works.
• There are no restrictions on foods, beverages, or activities during therapywith Asacol unless your doctor directs otherwise how asacol works.
What are the possible side effects of Asacol?
• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop takingAsacol and seek emergency medical attention:
· an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat;swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
· worsening colitis (fever, abdominal pain, cramping, or bloody diarrhea);or
· chest pain or shortness of breath how asacol works.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur how asacol works. Continueto take Asacol and talk to your doctor if you experience
· nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, or belching;
· headache or dizziness;
· chills or sweating; or
· a rash how asacol works.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur how asacol works. Talk to yourdoctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome how asacol works.
What other drugs will affect Asacol?
• Asacol is not known to interact with other medicines how asacol works.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all medicines that you take sothat your therapies can be monitored for interactions how asacol works.
Where can I get more information?
• Your pharmacist has more information about Asacol written for healthprofessionals that you may read how asacol works.
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