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Asacol |
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What is Asacol and why is it prescribed? Asacol is used to treat mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. Mesalamine, the active ingredient in Asacol, has been known to cause side effects such as: Bloody diarrhea, Cramping, Fever, Rash, Severe headache, and Sudden, severe stomach pain. If you develop any of these symptoms, stop taking this medication and consult your doctor. How should you take Asacol? Follow your doctors directions for taking Asacol. Swallow the capsule or tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it before swallowing. You may notice what looks like small beads in your stool. These are just empty shells that are left after the medication has been absorbed into your body. However, if this continues, check with your doctor. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time. Store Asacol at room temperature. Keep suppositories away from direct heat, light, and humidity. Do not refrigerate. Are there any Asacol side effects? Asacol side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Asacol side effects generally include diarrhea, dizziness, flu-like symptoms, gas, headache, nausea, and stomach pain. Other typical Asacol side effects may include abdominal pain, acne, back pain, belching, bloating, chest pain, chills, constipation, fever, hair loss, hemorrhoids, indigestion, insomnia, itching, joint pain, leg pain, liver disorders, menstrual problems, muscle pain, nasal inflammation, rash, rectal pain or bleeding, sore throat, stomach and intestinal bleeding, sweating, swelling of the arms and legs, tiredness, urinary burning, vomiting, and weakness. Although quite rare, other problems are possible. If you notice any unusual symptoms, check with your doctor. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Asacol? If Asacol is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Are there any special warnings about Asacol? Your doctor should check your kidney function while you are taking mesalamine, especially if you have a history of kidney disease or you are using other anti-inflammatory drugs such as Dipentum. Because older adults tend to have weaker kidneys, mesalamine is more likely to trigger side effects within this age group. The drug also seems more prone to cause blood disorders in older adults. If you are 65 or older, be sure to tell the doctor about any change in your health. You should use mesalamine cautiously if you are allergic to sulfasalazine (Azulfidine). If you develop a rash or fever, you should stop using the medication and notify your doctor. Some people using mesalamine have developed flare-ups of their colitis. Inflammation of the pancreas has also been reported. Rare cases of pericarditis, in which the membrane surrounding the heart becomes inflamed, have been reported with products containing mesalamine. Symptoms may include chest, neck, and shoulder pain, and shortness of breath. |
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