side effects of asacol steroids

What is the most important information I should know about Asacol?
• Do not crush, break, or chew the tablets or capsules side effects of asacol steroids. Swallow them whole side effects of asacol steroids. They are specially formulated to release the medication after they have passedthrough your stomach side effects of asacol steroids.
• Notify your doctor if you repeatedly find undissolved tablets in yourstool side effects of asacol steroids.

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 side effects of asacol steroids.
• Asacol is used to treat ulcerative colitis, proctitis, and proctosigmoiditis side effects of asacol steroids. Asacol is also used to prevent the symptoms of ulcerative colitis from recurring side effects of asacol steroids.
• Asacol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in thismedication guide side effects of asacol steroids.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Asacol?
• Tell your doctor if you have any type of kidney disease side effects of asacol steroids. You may requirea lower dose or special monitoring during your therapy with Asacol side effects of asacol steroids.
• Asacol is in the FDA pregnancy category B side effects of asacol steroids. This means that it is unlikelyto harm an unborn baby side effects of asacol steroids. Do not take Asacol without first talking to your doctorif you are pregnant side effects of asacol steroids.
• Asacol passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby side effects of asacol steroids. Do nottake Asacol without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding ababy side effects of asacol steroids.

How should I take Asacol?
• Take Asacol exactly as directed by your doctor side effects of asacol steroids. If you do not understandthese directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you side effects of asacol steroids.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water side effects of asacol steroids.
• Asacol can be taken with or without food side effects of asacol steroids.
• Do not crush, break, or chew the tablets or capsules side effects of asacol steroids. Swallow them whole side effects of asacol steroids. They are specially formulated to release the medication after they have passedthrough your stomach side effects of asacol steroids.
• Notify your doctor if you repeatedly find undissolved tablets in yourstool side effects of asacol steroids.
• Try to empty your bowel just before using a rectal form of mesalamine side effects of asacol steroids.
• Insert the suppositories rectally side effects of asacol steroids. Remove the foil wrapper and inserta suppository into the rectum, pointed end first side effects of asacol steroids. Avoid excessive handling ofthe suppository, because it is designed to melt at body temperature side effects of asacol steroids. Retainthe suppository for one to three hours, or longer, if possible to get the maximumbenefit from this medication side effects of asacol steroids.
• Shake the rectal suspension well before use side effects of asacol steroids. Remove the protective capfrom the applicator tip side effects of asacol steroids. Hold the bottle at the neck to prevent any of the medicationfrom spilling out side effects of asacol steroids. Gently insert the tip into the rectum, pointing toward thebelly button (umbilicus) side effects of asacol steroids. Squeeze the bottle steadily to discharge most of themedication side effects of asacol steroids. Retain the suspension overnight if possible to get the maximum benefitfrom this medication side effects of asacol steroids.
• Use caution when applying the suppositories or rectal suspension side effects of asacol steroids. Theseproducts may stain clothing, flooring, painted surfaces, vinyl, enamel, marble,granite, and other surfaces side effects of asacol steroids.
• The rectal suspension may darken slightly in color side effects of asacol steroids. Throw away any bottlesthat contain very dark brown liquid side effects of asacol steroids.
• Store Asacol at room temperature away from moisture and heat side effects of asacol steroids.

What happens if I miss a dose?
• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember side effects of asacol steroids. However, if it is almosttime for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularlyscheduled dose side effects of asacol steroids. Do not take a double dose of this medication side effects of asacol steroids.

What happens if I overdose?
• Seek emergency medical attention side effects of asacol steroids.
• Symptoms of a Asacol overdose include ringing in your ears, dizziness,headache, confusion, drowsiness, sweating, hyperventilation, vomiting, and diarrhea side effects of asacol steroids.

What should I avoid while taking Asacol?
• Use caution when applying the suppositories or rectal suspension side effects of asacol steroids. Theseproducts may stain clothing, flooring, painted surfaces, vinyl, enamel, marble,granite, and other surfaces side effects of asacol steroids.
• There are no restrictions on foods, beverages, or activities during therapywith Asacol unless your doctor directs otherwise side effects of asacol steroids.

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 side effects of asacol steroids.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur side effects of asacol steroids. 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 side effects of asacol steroids.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur side effects of asacol steroids. Talk to yourdoctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome side effects of asacol steroids.

What other drugs will affect Asacol?
• Asacol is not known to interact with other medicines side effects of asacol steroids.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all medicines that you take sothat your therapies can be monitored for interactions side effects of asacol steroids.

Where can I get more information?
• Your pharmacist has more information about Asacol written for healthprofessionals that you may read side effects of asacol steroids.

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