What is this medicine?
MESALAMINE (me SAL a meen) is used to treat the pain and inflammation caused by ulcerative colitis.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?
This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. This pricing information was updated 09/2009. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit www.drugstore.com. Actual costs to patients will vary depending on the use of specific retail or mail-order locations and health insurance copays.
| Asacol 400MG Enteric-coated Tablets | PROCTER & GAMBLE PHARM | 30/$58.31 or 90/$149.25 |
| Canasa 1000MG Suppositories | AXCAN PHARMA US | 30/$446.36 or 90/$1314.29 |
| Lialda 1.2GM Enteric-coated Tablets | SHIRE US INC. | 120/$662.04 or 360/$1924.6 |
| Mesalamine 4GM Enema | TEVA PHARMACEUTICALS USA | 420/$90.01 or 1260/$238.27 |
| Pentasa 250MG Controlled-release Capsules | SHIRE US INC. | 240/$268.82 or 720/$769.03 |
| Pentasa 500MG Controlled-release Capsules | SHIRE US INC. | 30/$70.99 or 90/$199.96 |
| Rowasa 4GM Enema | ALAVEN PHARMACEUTICALS LLC | 420/$180.01 or 1260/$491.65 |
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What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- bloody diarrhea
- chest pain
- difficulty breathing, wheezing
- fever
- pain or difficulty passing urine
- unusually weak or tired
- yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- headache
- nausea, vomiting
- stomach gas
- stomach pain or cramps
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not crush or chew. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medicine except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
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What may interact with this medicine?
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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Who should NOT use this medication?
- Extended-release capsules (Pentasa®), delayed-release tablets (1.2-g; Lialda®), rectal suppositories (Canasa®): Known hypersensitivity to salicylates (including aspirin, mesalamine) or any ingredient in the respective formulation.
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What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better after several days. There is usually an improvement in 3 to 21 days. You may need about 6 weeks of treatment to get good results.
Do not change the brand of this medicine that you are taking without talking to your doctor or health care professional. All brands do not have the same dose.
You may notice the empty shell from this medicine in your stool. If this happens frequently, you should contact your doctor or health care professional.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- pyloric stenosis
- an unusual or allergic reaction to mesalamine, salicylates, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
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Where can I get more information?
More Information
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