WHAT IS Asacol/Mesalamine?

MESALAMINE/Asacol is used to treat the pain and inflammation caused by ulcerative colitis. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

WHERE SHOULD I KEEP Asacol/Mesalamine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

HOW SHOULD I USE Asacol/Mesalamine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not crush or chew. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medicine except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR WHILE USING Asacol/Mesalamine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better after several days. There is usually an improvement in 3 to 21 days. You may need about 6 weeks of treatment to get good results.

Do not change the brand of this medicine that you are taking without talking to your doctor or health care professional. All brands do not have the same dose.

You may notice the empty shell from this medicine in your stool. If this happens frequently, you should contact your doctor or health care professional.

WHAT MAY INTERACT WITH Asacol/Mesalamine?

• digoxin/Lanoxin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

WHAT SIDE EFFECTS MAY I NOTICE FROM Asacol/Mesalamine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• unusually weak or tired
• yellowing of the eyes or skin
• pain or difficulty passing urine
• chest pain
• bloody diarrhea
• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• difficulty breathing, wheezing
• fever

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• nausea, vomiting
• headache
• stomach gas
• stomach pain or cramps

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

WHAT SHOULD I TELL MY HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS BEFORE I TAKE Asacol/Mesalamine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• pyloric stenosis
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• an unusual or allergic reaction to mesalamine/Asacol , salicylates, other medicines, sulfites, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• kidney disease
• breast-feeding

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.