FIV-ASA

Drug Name: FIV-ASA

FIV-ASA DESCRIPTION:
MESALAMINE - RECTAL SUPPOSITORY (mess-AL-uh-meen)

COMMON FIV-ASA BRAND NAME(S):
Rowasa

FIV-ASA 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 FIV-ASA:
FIV-ASA: Unwrap the suppository and insert it gently but completely into the rectum, pointed end first. Do not handle the suppository excessively. It may melt. For maximum benefit, keep the suppository in the rectum for 1 to 3 hours or longer. FIV-ASA is usually used twice a day. Use this exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or use this more often than directed. It may take up to 3 weeks for the effects of FIV-ASA to be noticed. If your symptoms do not improve or become worse while using FIV-ASA, contact your doctor.

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

FIV-ASA 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 FIV-ASA. FIV-ASA is excreted into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

FIV-ASA 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.

FIV-ASA OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed.

FIV-ASA NOTES:
Do not share FIV-ASA with others.

MISSED FIV-ASA DOSE:
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered; do not use 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.

FIV-ASA STORAGE:
Store suppositories at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Suppositories may be refrigerated. Do not store in the bathroom.