Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Asacol (Mesalamine).
Acute intolerance syndrome: Asacol (Mesalamine) has been known to cause symptoms similar to those of worsening Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. If you experience the sudden onset of symptoms such as cramping, acute abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea, headache, rash, and possibly fever, contact your doctor immediately.
Allergy: Some people who are allergic to Sulfasalazine or acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) also experience allergic reactions to Asacol (Mesalamine) (5-ASA). Before you take 5-ASA, inform your doctor about any previous adverse reactions you have had to medications, especially sulfasalazine or ASA.
Contact your doctor at once if you experience signs of an allergic reaction such as skin rash, itching, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face and throat.
Breathing Problems: 5-ASA may increase the risk of allergic or hypersensitivity reactions for people who have conditions that affect their breathing. If you have Asthma or COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) (COPD) discuss with your doctor how Asacol (Mesalamine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Asacol (Mesalamine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Fertility: Asacol (Mesalamine) may cause a decrease in sperm production for men. If this is a concern, talk to your doctor.
Heart problems: People with heart problems may be at an increased risk of side effects of 5-ASA. If you have heart problems or a history of heart problems, including heart infections, discuss with your doctor how Asacol (Mesalamine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Asacol (Mesalamine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Kidney function: Asacol (Mesalamine) is removed from the body by the kidneys. 5-ASA may not be removed from the body as quickly as expected if your kidneys are not working properly. This increases the likelihood of experiencing side effects. If you have reduced kidney function or Kidney Disease, discuss with your doctor how Asacol (Mesalamine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Asacol (Mesalamine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
5-ASA may also cause decreased kidney function and possibly kidney failure. If you notice a decrease in your amount of urine, swelling in your hands and lower legs, or unusual tiredness contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Liver function: The use of Asacol (Mesalamine) by people with reduced liver function has not been well studied. If you have reduced liver function or liver disease, discuss with your doctor how Asacol (Mesalamine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Asacol (Mesalamine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Slow stomach emptying: The tablet form of 5-ASA may not work as well for people with a condition known as pyloric stenosis. If you have pyloric stenosis or have a history of slow emptying of the stomach, discuss with your doctor how Asacol (Mesalamine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Asacol (Mesalamine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Tablets in stool: Infrequently, what looks to be intact or partially intact tablets may appear in the stool. If this occurs repeatedly, consult your doctor.
Pregnancy: 5-aminosalicylic acid crosses the placenta and may affect the developing baby if taken by the mother during pregnancy. It should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Asacol (Mesalamine), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Asacol (Mesalamine) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking 5-aminosalicylic acid, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of Asacol (Mesalamine) for use by children have not been established.
