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Asacol Information:

NEW DOSAGE: 800mg TABLET NOW AVAILABLE:
Asacol(5ASA) Delayed-Release Tablets, available only by prescription from your doctor, is the only sulfa-free medication indicated to both: treat mild to moderate flare-ups of ulcerative colitis and maintain remission of ulcerative colitis. Asacol(5ASA) is proven to treat mild to moderate flare-ups of ulcerative colitis. In a six-week clinical study of flare-ups, Asacol(5ASA) was evaluated for its ability to reduce ulcerative colitis symptoms, including rectal bleeding, number of bowel movements, and abdominal pain. After three weeks of therapy of Asacol(5ASA), rectal bleeding and number of bowel movements were reduced.

Asacol(5ASA) tablets are designed with a special outer coating that targets the delivery of the medication to the colon where it is needed. This unique delivery system of Asacol(5ASA) allows the tablet to travel in one piece through the digestive tract until Asacol(5ASA) reaches the end of the small intestine and beginning of the colon. At this location, the Asacol(5ASA) tablet's special coating begins to dissolve and release the active ingredient, 5-ASA, for activity throughout the entire colon. The active ingredient acts right at the site to reduce inflammation of the inner lining of the colon and rectum. When taking Asacol(5ASA), be sure to swallow your tablets whole-do not break or chew them. Chewing breaks the special outer coating.

Asacol Side Effects:

In clinical studies comparing people taking Asacol to those taking a sugar pill (placebo), there was no significant difference in the number of people reporting Asacol side effects. Please note, however, Asacol is a medication and Asacol side effects may occur with its use. In studies of flare-ups, some people taking Asacol reported Asacol side effects likeheadache, abdominal pain, general pain, rash, upset stomach, and worsening of ulcerative colitis symptoms. In a maintenance study Asacol side effects like headache, runny nose, general pain, sore throat, infection, and nervousness were reported.

Some serious Asacol side effects may occur. Periodic visits to your doctor are important. Contact your doctor if you have any questions or if you are experiencing any Asacol side effects. There are some important Asacol side effects you should be aware of regarding Asacol therapy, including: General: If you have pyloric stenosis (a narrowing of the outlet from the stomach that causes contents of the stomach to remain there for a longer period of time), you should tell your doctor before using Asacol. Pyloric stenosis may keep the Asacol tablet from reaching the colon as quickly as it normally would.

Pregnant or nursing mothers: If you are pregnant, become pregnant, or are a nursing mother, discuss Asacol side effects with your doctor before using it. Recommended periodic monitoring: Your doctor may require certain tests to check your kidney function before starting Asacol therapy and periodically while you continue Asacol therapy. These tests will make sure that the Asacol side effects are not harming your kidneys.
Kidney function: If you have a history of kidney impairment or kidney disease, you should tell your doctor before using Asacol, as Asacol side effects may worsen your kidney condition. Worsening of the symptoms: Worsening of the symptoms of ulcerative colitis was reported in 3% of Asacol-treated people in clinical trials. Reaction to sulfasalazine or mesalamine: Some people who have had a reaction to sulfasalazine may suffer Asacol side effects or suffer with other products containing mesalamine. Such a reaction may include Asacol side effects like worsening of ulcerative colitis symptoms (i.e., cramping, abdominal pain, and bloody diarrhea), and occasionally fever, headache, general discomfort, itching, rash, and conjunctivitis (an inflammation of part of the eye).

You should not take Asacol if you have been told by a healthcare professional that you have an increased sensitivity, or hypersensitivity, to salicylates, such as aspirin, or to any of the components of the Asacol tablet. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about increased sensitivity to salicylates or if your condition worsens while taking Asacol.