Asacol

Asacol (Mesalazine) is a medicine used in the treatment and maintenance of ulcerative colitis. It belongs to a class of drugs referred to as aminosalicylates. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis include pain in the abdomen and severe diarrhoea that often contains blood and mucus. This is caused by swelling of the large intestine. Treatment with this medicine aims to relieve these symptoms by relieving inflammation of the intestine, thereby reversing the symptoms outlined above. Other conditions used to treat with this medicine include proctosigmoiditis and proctitis.

Asacol (Mesalazine) comes as gastro resistant tablets, which need to be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Adult patients undergoing treatment for mild to moderate ulcerative colitis are often told to take two 400mg tablets, 3 times per day (2.4g per day). Treatment may need to continue for 6 weeks. Patients who have been prescribed this drug for maintenance of remission of symptoms are sometimes directed to take 1.6 grams per day, and treatment may continue for 6 months. However, in all cases patients should strictly follow the instructions given to them by their doctor.

Treatment with Asacol (Mesalazine) can sometimes cause side effects, such as:

• Acne
• Loss of hair
• Haemorrhoids
• Pain affecting the ears
• Muscle stiffness or aches

Patients undergoing treatment should inform their doctor of any side effects that they experience. Although not all patients will experience severe reactions, it is still possible. You will need to consult a doctor straight away if you notice bloody urine, decreased urination, inflammation, a sudden increase in weight, fever or any other symptoms of a severe reaction.

Patients should note that tests on the liver and kidney function may be required before treatment starts, and regularly throughout the course of treatment.

It is possible that taking this drug may result in a decreased amount of blood cells. Ask your doctor about the risk of this before starting treatment.