ASACOL

Drug Name: ASACOL

ASACOL DESCRIPTION:
MESALAMINE - TABLET (mess-AL-uh-meen)

COMMON ASACOL BRAND NAME(S):
Asacol

ASACOL SIDE EFFECTS:
Dizziness, indigestion, bloating, gas, belching or minor stomach ache may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. Constipation, diarrhea, weakness, hemorrhoids, cough, dry mouth, hair loss, acne, general body aches, swelling of the feet or ankles (edema) or sweating may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor promptly. Notify your doctor promptly if you develop chest pain, fever, sore throat, headache, stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, rectal pain, yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, or unusual fatigue. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or breathing trouble. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE ASACOL:
ASACOL: Swallow tablets whole. Do not crush or chew them. It is important for the outer coating of the tablet to remain intact for the medication to reach the lower intestines. Take ASACOL exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or take this more often than directed. It may take up to 3 weeks for the effects of ASACOL to be noticed. If your symptoms do not improve or become worse while taking ASACOL, contact your doctor.

ASACOL USES:
ASACOL is used to treat swelling and inflammation of the colon or rectum. It is often used to treat ulcerative colitis.

ASACOL PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of kidney disease, asthma and of any allergies you may have, especially to aspirin-like medications or to sulfasalazine. This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol, especially when combined with this medicine, may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using ASACOL. ASACOL is excreted into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

ASACOL DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all over-the-counter and prescription medication you may use, especially of: methotrexate, oral diabetes drugs, certain gout medicines (e.g., probenecid), sulfasalazine, olsalazine, acetazolamide-type drugs (CAI). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

ASACOL OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include ringing in ears, headache, confusion, drowsiness, sweating, fast breathing, vomiting, and diarrhea.

ASACOL NOTES:
The complete tablet or a partially dissolved tablet may appear in your stool. Notify your doctor if this occurs repeatedly. Blood tests may be performed to monitor your progress.

MISSED ASACOL DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

ASACOL STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.