Asacol Information
Asacol (Mesalamine (5ASA)) is an effective medication used in the management of inflammatory bowel diseases, namely ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. It is primarily used to treat acute flares of ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the colon and rectum, resulting in painful swelling, sores, or ulcers. It is also used to maintain remission and prevent acute flare-ups in people with ulcerative colitis. It's generally prescribed for mild to moderate cases. It may also be used to treat and prevent acute flares in individuals with Crohn's disease, another inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract.
Its active ingredient is mesalamine (5-aminosalicylic acid [5-ASA]) and belongs to the aminosalicylate class of drugs. Unlike other anti-inflammatory medications that act systemically throughout the body, mesalamine appears to act directly on the gut lining by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which drive inflammation and tissue damage. Mesalamine functions as a localized anti-inflammatory coating for the gut. This action helps relieve symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and rectal bleeding, while also allowing the damaged mucosal lining to heal over time. Clinical studies confirm that mesalamine is both safe and effective for the treatment of mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis. It significantly induces and maintains clinical remission with high efficacy across varying dosage regimens.
Asacol Side Effects
Long-term studies have highlighted the favorable safety profile of this medication, although it can cause some notable side effects. Common side effects include abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, joint and muscle pain, and indigestion. Contact your doctor if these mild side effects persist or worsen.
Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, body itching, body rash, skin blistering, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat;
• Acute intolerance syndrome with symptoms like worsening abdominal or stomach cramps or pain, bloody diarrhea, chills, and fever;
• Difficulty in breathing, cough, chest pain;
• Easy bruising or bleeding;
• Idiopathic intracranial hypertension with symptoms like intense or recurrent headache, disturbed vision, or ringing or buzzing in the ears;
• Kidney problems such as a change in the colour or amount of urine produced and swollen limbs, or sudden flank pain;
• Liver problems such as yellow eyes and skin, abdominal pain, and vomiting;
• Low red blood cells with symptoms like dizziness, pale skin, unusual tiredness or weakness;
• Pancreatitis with symptoms such as abdominal pain on the upper left side, back pain, nausea, and fever
Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.
Asacol Precautions
Do not take this medication if you are allergic to mesalamine, other ingredients in Asacol, or any other medicines. Before you start taking this medication, ensure that you inform your doctor about any prior or current medical conditions, including the following:
• Active viral or bacterial infection;
• Blood count disorders, such as low white blood cells;
• Breathing problems such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
• Gastrointestinal issues such as a blocked intestine or slow emptying;
• Heart disease;
• Kidney disease;
• Liver problems;
• Nasal polyps;
• Pancreas problems
A rare but confusing reaction where your body reacts to the medication by mimicking a massive colitis flare-up can occur. If your condition suddenly worsens after starting Asacol, it may suggest an intolerance, prompting a need to seek medical care immediately. It’s worth noting that some people find what appears to be a whole tablet in their stool. It’s often just the empty shell after the medication has been absorbed. However, if you observe it frequently, consult your physician.
Studies show that mesalamine can cross the placenta, although it hasn't shown a significant increase in congenital disabilities. However, this medication should not be used during pregnancy unless recommended by your doctor after careful evaluation of its risks and benefits. While it may be used in breastfeeding women, especially in acute flare-ups, you should watch out for symptoms like diarrhea in the breastfed infant. This medication is not recommended for use in children younger than 5 years. This medication may cause a decrease in sperm production for men. If this is a concern, consult your physician.
Taking Asacol alongside ibuprofen or naproxen can increase the workload on your kidneys, potentially raising the risk of kidney damage. Additionally, because Asacol tablets have a pH-dependent coating designed to dissolve at a specific level of acidity, taking medications that alter stomach or gut acidity (such as antacids) may cause the tablet to release its medicine too early. Therefore, before taking Asacol, inform your doctor about any other medications you are currently taking, including herbal medicines and supplements, to determine whether mesalamine is safe to use with them.
Asacol/mesalamine is available in standard- and delayed-release tablets. Swallow these tablets whole and avoid crushing, chewing, or breaking them, as this destroys the protective coating meant to reach your colon. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage of this medication for you depending on your condition. Drink plenty of water while taking this medication to help your kidneys process the drug efficiently. It is essential to use this medication regularly as your doctor prescribes to achieve optimal control of your symptoms. Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
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