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Home > Drug Category > Disorders of the Digestive Tract (IBS,Crohns Disease,Stomach) > Rowasa Enema and Equivalent

Rowasa Enema Information

Rowasa Enema (Mesalamine/5-aminosalicylic acid) is an anti-inflammatory medication used topically to treat active ulcerative colitis, a localized form of inflammatory bowel disease affecting the large intestine, characterized by inflammation, ulcers, diarrhea, and bleeding. It is typically used when this condition affects the distal portion of the large intestine, such as the sigmoid colon and rectum. It may also be used to treat mild-to-moderate Crohn's disease, an inflammatory bowel disease similar to ulcerative colitis but affecting any part of the gastrointestinal tract. It is used in Crohn's disease, typically when it involves the distal intestine, such as the sigmoid colon and rectum.

Its active ingredient is mesalamine (5-aminosalicylic acid [5-ASA]) and belongs to the aminosalicylate class of drugs. Although its mechanism of action is not well understood, it is believed to act as a topical anti-inflammatory within the gut rather than systemically through the bloodstream, as with a traditional pill. When in the gut, it blocks the production of chemicals that trigger inflammation, effectively mitigating the adverse immune response underlying these inflammatory bowel diseases.

While an oral tablet may be absorbed too early in the small intestine, this enema formulation coats the lower colon and rectum directly. In fact, studies show it can reach as far up as the splenic flexure (the bend in your colon near your ribs) in many people.

Rowasa Enema Side Effects

Like any medication that interacts with the immune system, mesalamine can cause various adverse effects. Some mild side effects of this medication may include abdominal discomfort, acne, back pain, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, dizziness, ear or throat pain, fatigue, hair loss, headache, increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, irritation of the rectal area, muscle or joint pain, nausea, tiredness, tremor, and vomiting. Contact your doctor immediately if any of these temporary side effects last or get worse.

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 that includes cramps, sharp abdominal (stomach area) pain, bloody diarrhea, and sometimes fever;
• Flat red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals;
• Inflamed heart with symptoms like chest pain, fever, or trouble breathing;
• Kidney problems with symptoms like blood in urine, painful urination, increased need to urinate, back or groin pain;
• Liver disease, such as yellow eyes and skin, abdominal pain, and vomiting

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Rowasa Enema Precautions

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to mesalamine, aspirin, other ingredients in Rowasa Enema, 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;
• Bleeding or clotting disorder;
• Breathing problems such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
• Diseases causing slow stomach emptying, like pyloric stenosis;
• Heart disease, such as pericarditis;
• Kidney disease;
• Liver disease;
• Pancreas disease

Some people may experience a rare acute intolerance to mesalamine, causing worsening of their symptoms. If you experience the sudden onset of symptoms such as cramping, acute or worsening abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, headache, and fever while using this medication, contact your doctor immediately. Mesalamine can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, so it is advised to limit your skin’s exposure to sunlight and wear extra sunscreen or protective clothing when outdoors. Rowasa Enema is not recommended for use in children as its safety and efficacy have not been established in this age group. Do not use this medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding unless recommended by your doctor after careful evaluation of its risks and benefits. You should watch out for symptoms like diarrhea in the breastfed infant if you're breastfeeding while using this medication.

Using this medication along with immunosuppressants like azathioprine can cause bone marrow suppression, increasing the risk of serious infections. Therefore, it is essential to discuss with your doctor any medications you are currently taking, including herbal medicines or supplements, to determine if they can interact with mesalamine. Apply a Rowasa enema to your rectum as stated in the medication leaflet or as instructed by your pharmacist. Consult your doctor for the appropriate dose and duration of use for you. Use this medication consistently for optimal effectiveness. Store this medication at room temperature away from sunlight, humidity, and pets.

Do I need a prescription to order Rowasa Enema?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Rowasa Enema.