Mesalamine delayed-release

What is this medicine?

MESALAMINE (me SAL a meen) is used to treat the pain and inflammation caused by ulcerative colitis.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Do not cut, crush, or chew the tablets or capsules. Some products should be taken with food. Ask your health care provider how to take this medicine, and follow the directions on the prescription label. 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. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions in children as young as 5 years, precautions do apply.

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

• blood in the urine

• bloody diarrhea

• breathing problems

• chest pain

• pain in the lower back or side

• pain when urinating

• rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes

• signs and symptoms of infection like fever; chills; cough; sore throat; pain or trouble passing urine

• signs and symptoms of liver injury like dark yellow or brown urine; general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms; light-colored stools; loss of appetite; nausea; right upper belly pain; unusually weak or tired; yellowing of the eyes or skin

• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

• unusual bleeding or bruising

• unusual or severe stomach upset or pain

• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• gas

• headache

• mild hair loss

• nausea, vomiting

• stomach pain

What may interact with this medicine?

• azathioprine

• mercaptopurine, 6-MP

• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen

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.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• history of a blockage in your bowel or stomach

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• pyloric stenosis

• an unusual or allergic reaction to mesalamine, aspirin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Tell your health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. You may need blood work done while taking this medicine.

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.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

The tablet shell for some brands of this medicine may appear in the stool. If this happens frequently, you should contact your doctor or health care professional.

Ask how many glasses of fluid you need to drink a day. You must not get dehydrated.