What is Asacol (Mesalazine) used for?

Asacol (Mesalazine) is an anti-inflammatory medication prescribed to treat patients suffering from ulcerative colitis. The medication prevents inflammation of the intestines and digestive tract associated with this condition to reduce symptoms such as abdominal pain and severe diarrhoea. Your doctor may also prescribe its use for the treatment of other unlisted conditions.

How should I use Asacol (Mesalazine)?

Asacol (Mesalazine) is normally prescribed to be taken two to four times each day at a dosage of one tablet, but your individual directions will be determined by your doctor based on your age, weight, current health, the condition being treated, and the severity of your symptoms. These should be swallowed with a full glass of water and may be taken on an empty stomach. Avoid splitting or crushing the tablets prior to use as this may destroy or alter the effect of their contents. Ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions you have about the medicine to ensure the correct usage.

What are the side effects of Asacol (Mesalazine)?

Asacol (Mesalazine) may cause side effects in some patients such as:

• Headaches
• Dizziness or drowsiness
• Gassiness, nausea, or vomiting
• Upset stomach or diarrhoea
• Mild muscle or joint pain
• Temporary hair loss

Stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any worrying or intense side effects such as deterioration of your colitis symptoms, severe muscle or joint pain, rectal irritation, pancreatitis, hepatitis, difficulty breathing, or signs of liver problems such as darkened urine, discoloured stools, or jaundice. These conditions may require lower doses, reduced application frequency, or emergency medical attention in serious cases to prevent further health problems from occurring.

Please Note

Asacol (Mesalazine) should not be administered to patients who are children, allergic to salicylates, who have had a bad reaction to similar treatments in the past, who have blood disorders, severely decreased liver function, or severely reduced kidney function. Also inform your doctor if you have asthma, reduced kidney function, decreased liver function, or if you are allergic to sulfasalazine medications. These conditions may cause unexpected complications requiring special adjustments to your regimen.

Strictly use Asacol (Mesalazine) as prescribed and follow all instructions provided by your doctor. Safe, suitable, and optimum dosage can vary and is dependent on the patient`s health and medical history, as well as the condition you are treating.

Asacol (Mesalazine) may not be safe or suitable for all patients. Always ensure your doctor is informed if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, using any other type of medication (including non-prescription medicine, vitamins, and supplements), as well as if you have any allergies, other illnesses, or pre-existing medication conditions.

Seek immediate medical attention or proceed to your nearest accident and emergency department if you suffer a hypersensitive or allergic reaction. Symptoms usually present during a reaction of this nature include difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling of the limbs or face, tight chest, hives, and skin rashes.