ROWASA

Drug Name: ROWASA

ROWASA DESCRIPTION:
MESALAMINE - RECTAL ENEMA (mess-AL-uh-meen)

COMMON ROWASA BRAND NAME(S):
Rowasa

ROWASA 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/pain, bloody diarrhea, rectal pain, yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, 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, breathing trouble. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE ROWASA:
ROWASA: To use the enema, follow the instructions provided in the package. Unwrap the enema and shake the bottle well. Lie on your left side with one or both knees bent up to your chest. Insert the enema tip into the rectum pointing toward the navel and gently squeeze the bottle to release the medication. Try to retain the medication in your rectum for about 8 hours. ROWASA is usually used once a day at bedtime. 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 ROWASA to be noticed. If your symptoms do not improve or become worse while using ROWASA, contact your doctor.

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

ROWASA PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, asthma, allergies (especially to aspirin-like medications, sulfites, or 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. Before using ROWASA, tell your doctor if you are pregnant. ROWASA is excreted into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

ROWASA 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.

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

ROWASA NOTES:
Do not share ROWASA with others.

MISSED ROWASA 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.

ROWASA STORAGE:
Store enema 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.