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What is Asacol
 The
exact way that Asacol works is unknown, but it is believed
to reduce the actions of a substance in the body that causes
inflammation, tissue damage, and diarrhea.
Asacol
is used to treat ulcerative colitis, proctitis, and proctosigmoiditis.
Asacol is also used to prevent the symptoms of ulcerative
colitis from recurring.
Asacol
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Asacol
Do not crush, break, or chew the tablets or capsules.
Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release
the medication after they have passed through your stomach.
Notify your doctor if you repeatedly find undissolved
tablets in your stool.
What you should find out before taking
Asacol
Tell your doctor if you have any type of kidney disease.
You may require a lower dose or special monitoring during
your therapy with Asacol.
Asacol is in the FDA pregnancy
category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn
baby. Do not take Asacol without first talking to your doctor
if you are pregnant.
Asacol passes into breast milk
and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take Asacol without
first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby.
How should take Asacol Take Asacol exactly as directed by your doctor. If
you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each
dose with a full glass of water.
Asacol can be taken
with or without food.
Do not crush, break, or chew
the tablets or capsules. Swallow them whole. They are specially
formulated to release the medication after they have passed
through your stomach.
Notify your doctor if you repeatedly
find undissolved tablets in your stool.
Try to empty
your bowel just before using a rectal form of mesalamine.
Insert the suppositories rectally. Remove the foil
wrapper and insert a suppository into the rectum, pointed
end first. Avoid excessive handling of the suppository,
because it is designed to melt at body temperature. Retain
the suppository for one to three hours, or longer, if possible
to get the maximum benefit from this medication.
Shake the rectal suspension well before use. Remove the
protective cap from the applicator tip. Hold the bottle
at the neck to prevent any of the medication from spilling
out. Gently insert the tip into the rectum, pointing toward
the belly button (umbilicus). Squeeze the bottle steadily
to discharge most of the medication. Retain the suspension
overnight if possible to get the maximum benefit from this
medication.
Use caution when applying the suppositories
or rectal suspension. These products may stain clothing,
flooring, painted surfaces, vinyl, enamel, marble, granite,
and other surfaces.
The rectal suspension may darken
slightly in color. Throw away any bottles that contain very
dark brown liquid.
Store Asacol at room temperature
away from moisture and heat.
If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you
missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose.
Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms
of a Asacol overdose include ringing in your ears, dizziness,
headache, confusion, drowsiness, sweating, hyperventilation,
vomiting, and diarrhea.
Avoid while taking Asacol Use caution when applying the suppositories or rectal
suspension. These products may stain clothing, flooring,
painted surfaces, vinyl, enamel, marble, granite, and other
surfaces.
There are no restrictions on foods, beverages,
or activities during therapy with Asacol unless your doctor
directs otherwise.
Possible side effects of Asacol If you experience any of the following serious side
effects, stop taking Asacol and seek emergency medical attention:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing
of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face;
or hives);
- worsening colitis (fever, abdominal
pain, cramping, or bloody diarrhea); or
- chest pain
or shortness of breath.
Other, less serious side
effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Asacol
and talk to your doctor if you experience
- nausea,
vomiting, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, or belching;
-
headache or dizziness;
- chills or sweating; or
-
a rash.
Side effects other than those listed here
may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect
that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Asacol Asacol is not known to interact with other medicines.
Tell
your doctor and pharmacist about all medicines that you take
so that your therapies can be monitored for interactions.
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