Mesalamine, Oral/Rectal

What are other names for this medicine?

Generic and brand names: mesalamine, oral; mesalamine, rectal; Asacol; Canasa; Pentasa; Profasa; Rowasa

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is used to treat ulcerative colitis (inflammation of the colon or rectum).

What should my health care provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your health care provider if you are allergic to sulfites.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your health care provider's approval.

How do I use it?

This medicine comes in several forms: suppositories, an oral form to be taken by mouth, and a liquid form to be used as an enema.

Take this medicine exactly as your health care provider prescribes. If your health care provider has not given you specific instructions, follow the directions that come in the medicine package. Do not take more or take it longer than prescribed. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist about anything you do not understand.

If you have tablets that you take by mouth, do not break, crush, or chew them. Swallow the tablets whole.

If you are using the liquid enema:

Shake the bottle well before you use the medicine. Wash your hands before using this medicine. Lie on your left side. Bend your right knee. Remove the protective cover from the tip. Moisten the tube end with a water-based lubricant. Insert the end of the tube gently into your rectum. Gently and steadily squeeze the bag to empty as much as possible into your rectum. A slow flow helps lessen discomfort. Remove the tube when the bag is empty. Use the enema at bedtime and hold it in the rectum for 8 hours if possible.

If you are using a suppository:

Wash your hands before using this medicine. Remove the foil wrapper and moisten the suppository with water or water-based lubricating jelly. If the suppository is too soft to insert easily, run cold water over it or put it in ice water until it is firm. If it is too dry or hard, moisten it with warm water. Lie on your left side and bend your right knee up toward your chest. Gently push the suppository into your rectum so it is deep enough not to come out. Keep the suppository in the rectum for 1 to 3 hours or more if possible.

What should I watch out for?

If you notice partial or whole tablets in your bowel movements, contact your health care provider.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Abdominal pain or cramps, bloody diarrhea, rash, fever, headache.

Other: Gas, nausea, flu or cold symptoms, tiredness, dizziness, pain in your legs or joints, rectal pain, mild hair loss, constipation.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.