Pronunciation: me-SAL-a-meen
Generic Name: Mesalamine
Brand Name: Asacol HD
Asacol HD Delayed-Release Tablets are used for:
Treating moderately active ulcerative colitis (inflammation of the colon). Asacol HD Delayed-Release Tablets may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Asacol HD Delayed-Release Tablets are a 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA). It works by preventing the production of substances that cause inflammation of the colon.
Do NOT use Asacol HD Delayed-Release Tablets if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Asacol HD Delayed-Release Tablets, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen, naproxen), or salicylates (eg, aspirin)
- you are younger than 18 years of age and you have the flu or chickenpox, or you have received a live vaccine (eg, varicella, influenza) within the past 6 weeks
- you are taking probenecid or sulfinpyrazone
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Asacol HD Delayed-Release Tablets:
Some medical conditions may interact with Asacol HD Delayed-Release Tablets. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines (including sulfasalazine), foods, or other substances
- if you have had a stroke, bleeding in the brain, or an aneurysm
- if you have a history of liver or kidney problems, certain stomach problems (pyloric stenosis), pancreas problems (eg, pancreatitis), Kawasaki syndrome, or a rheumatic (inflammatory) disease (eg, rheumatoid arthritis)
- if you have a history of heart problems (eg, inflammation of the sac around your heart)
- if you have the flu or chickenpox or have recently received a live vaccine (eg, varicella, influenza)
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Asacol HD Delayed-Release Tablets. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Gingko biloba extract because side effects, such as increased bleeding, may occur
- Corticosteroids (eg, prednisone) because they may decrease Asacol HD Delayed-Release Tablets's effectiveness
- Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (eg, acetazolamide), insulin, meglitinide antidiabetics (eg, repaglinide), sulfonylureas (eg, glipizide), or valproic acid because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Asacol HD Delayed-Release Tablets
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (eg, enalapril), anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), beta-blockers (eg, propranolol), probenecid , spironolactone, or sulfinpyrazone because their effectiveness may be decreased by Asacol HD Delayed-Release Tablets
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Asacol HD Delayed-Release Tablets may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Asacol HD Delayed-Release Tablets:
Use Asacol HD Delayed-Release Tablets as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Take Asacol HD Delayed-Release Tablets by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food or milk to reduce stomach irritation.
- Swallow Asacol HD Delayed-Release Tablets whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
- Continue to take Asacol HD Delayed-Release Tablets even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
- If you miss a dose of Asacol HD Delayed-Release Tablets, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Asacol HD Delayed-Release Tablets.
Important safety information:
- Asacol HD Delayed-Release Tablets may cause dizziness. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Asacol HD Delayed-Release Tablets with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
- Asacol HD Delayed-Release Tablets may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Asacol HD Delayed-Release Tablets. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
- You may notice undissolved parts of Asacol HD Delayed-Release Tablets in your stool with some brands of Asacol HD Delayed-Release Tablets. If this occurs repeatedly, contact your doctor.
- Some patients may experience an intolerance reaction to Asacol HD Delayed-Release Tablets. Signs of intolerance are very similar to symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease. They may include severe or persistent stomach pain or cramping, bloody diarrhea, fever, headache, or rash. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor right away.
- Salicylates have been linked to a serious illness called Reye syndrome. Do not give Asacol HD Delayed-Release Tablets to a child or teenager who has the flu, chickenpox, or a viral infection. Contact your doctor with any questions or concerns.
- Lab tests, including kidney function, liver function, and complete blood cell counts, may be performed while you use Asacol HD Delayed-Release Tablets. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- Use Asacol HD Delayed-Release Tablets with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially blood problems.
- Asacol HD Delayed-Release Tablets should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Asacol HD Delayed-Release Tablets while you are pregnant. Asacol HD Delayed-Release Tablets are found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Asacol HD Delayed-Release Tablets, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Asacol HD Delayed-Release Tablets:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Diarrhea; gas; headache; mild stomach discomfort or pain; nausea; runny or stuffy nose.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blood in the urine; bloody diarrhea; bloody or coffee ground-like vomit; change in the amount of urine; chest pain; dark urine; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; severe or persistent headache; severe or sudden stomach pain or cramping; shortness of breath; unusual bruising or bleeding; yellowing of the skin or eyes.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Asacol HD side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include confusion; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; fast or difficult breathing; fever; headache; hearing loss; ringing in the ears; seizures; sweating; vomiting of blood; weakness.
Proper storage of Asacol HD Delayed-Release Tablets:
Store Asacol HD Delayed-Release Tablets at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Asacol HD Delayed-Release Tablets out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Asacol HD Delayed-Release Tablets, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Asacol HD Delayed-Release Tablets are to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Asacol HD Delayed-Release Tablets. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Asacol HD resources
- Asacol HD Side Effects (in more detail)
- Asacol HD Dosage
- Asacol HD Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Asacol HD Drug Interactions
- 2 Reviews for Asacol HD - Add your own review/rating
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