Olsalazine, Oral

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: anti-inflammatory

Generic and brand names: olsalazine, oral; Dipentum

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is taken by mouth to treat certain cases of ulcerative colitis (a disease of the bowels), especially when you cannot tolerate other medicine.

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

Before taking this medicine, tell your health care provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to aspirin or other pain relievers
• asthma
• kidney or liver disease.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

How do I use it?

Take this medicine with food. Take it exactly as directed by your health care provider in evenly spaced doses every day. Do not take more of it or take it longer than prescribed.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your health care provider.

What should I watch out for?

If you develop diarrhea or if existing diarrhea becomes severe while you are taking this medicine, contact your health care provider. Because diarrhea is a symptom of ulcerative colitis, report any changes in bowel movements, especially bloody diarrhea, to your health care provider.

This medicine may make you feel dizzy or lightheaded. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.

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.

Life-threatening (Report these to your health care provider right away. If you cannot reach your health care provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Diarrhea (especially bloody diarrhea), nausea, stomach pain or cramps, unexplained fever, sore throat, unusual tiredness, yellow skin or eyes.

Other: Headache, heartburn, rectal bleeding, insomnia, loss of appetite, depression.

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.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

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.