Uses

Mesalamine (also known as 5-aminosalicylic acid or mesalazine) is used to treat certain types of bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, proctosigmoiditis, proctitis). It does not cure these conditions, but it may help relieve discomfort/pain and lessen how often you have diarrhea or bloody stools. Mesalamine is an aminosalicylate anti-inflammatory drug. It works by blocking the production of certain natural substances that cause inflammation. This effect helps to decrease pain and swelling.

Other Uses

This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This drug may also be used for Crohn's disease.

How To Use

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using mesalamine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Use this medication rectally as directed by your doctor, usually once daily at bedtime. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Drink plenty of fluids during treatment with this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor. This will help prevent kidney stones.

If possible, go to the toilet and have a bowel movement before using this medication. Push the single-use applicator firmly onto the spout of the spray can. Shake the spray can well for 20 seconds. Remove the safety tab, then twist the dome top as directed. Turn the can upside down. Place one foot on a chair or stool and gently insert the applicator into your rectum. Using your index finger, push down fully on the pump dome, then slowly release it. Wait 10 to 15 seconds for the foam to be delivered. Repeat for a second spray and wait another 10 to 15 seconds. Remove the applicator and dispose of it in the provided plastic bag. Wash your hands and try not to empty your bowels until the next morning.

If you have trouble keeping in 2 sprays of foam at one time, you may separate the times you use it (for example, one spray at bedtime and another spray during the night or early in the morning). Ask your doctor or pharmacist for specific directions.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.

Side Effects

Rectal pain, abdominal pain, gas, headache, diarrhea, or constipation may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Rarely, this medication may make your symptoms worse instead of better. Tell your doctor right away if you have any of these side effects:

• worsening stomach pain/cramping
• worsening bloody diarrhea
• headache that doesn't go away

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• chest pain
• shortness of breath
• severe stomach/abdominal pain (especially if spreading to the back)
• yellowing eyes/skin
• dark urine
• signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine, blood in the urine)

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• fever
• swollen lymph nodes
• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before using mesalamine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other aminosalicylates (such as balsalazide, olsalazine); or to salicylates (such as aspirin, salsalate); or to sulfasalazine; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• asthma
• kidney problems
• liver disease
• pancreas problems (pancreatitis)
• inflammation of the sac around the heart (pericarditis)

This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun, especially if you have skin problems (such as atopic dermatitis, eczema). Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

This medication is similar to aspirin. Children and teenagers younger than 18 years should not take aspirin or aspirin-related medications (such as salicylates) if they have chickenpox, flu, or any undiagnosed illness, or if they have just been given a live virus vaccine (such as varicella vaccine), without first consulting a doctor about Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious illness.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (such as prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (including urine normetanephrine levels), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Overdose

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as liver/kidney function) may be done before you start using this medication and while you are using it. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from sources of heat (such as near radiators/stoves). Do not store in the bathroom. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Discard 12 weeks after first use. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.