Asacol (Mesalamine)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs):

What is Asacol?

Asacol is a prescription medicine used to treat bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis. Asacol belongs to a class of drugs called aminosalicylates. It works by reducing the production of chemicals called prostaglandins that cause inflammation in the intestines. This helps to prevent swelling in the intestines.

Asacol is used alone or in combination with other medications. It is safe and effective for use in adults and children above 5 years of age. To ascertain the Asacol price, you can easily find it on the LifeRx Pharmacy.

Benefits and Uses of Asacol:

Asacol is used to treat patients with the following health conditions:

• Ulcerative colitis: It is an inflammatory disease that causes irritation, ulcers, swelling, and redness in the lining of the large intestine and rectum. The condition ultimately leads to rectal bleeding, frequent diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss. Asacol is prescribed to control and prevent bleeding, stomach pain, and ulceration. It also prevents the disease from coming back.

• Crohn’s disease: Crohn’s disease is also an inflammatory bowel disease. Asacol reduces inflammation and helps to relieve the symptoms of the disease such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and ulcers.

How to take Asacol?

Asacol is available in the form of tablets and taken orally with or without food as directed by your doctor.

• The recommended dosage of Asacol for adults with Ulcerative Colitis is two 400 mg tablets three times a day, for 6 weeks. The recommended dose of Asacol for pediatric patients is weight-based, usually twice a day for 6 weeks. Patients should swallow the medication as a whole. One should not chew, crush, or break the tablet.

• In case you forget to take a dose of Asacol, take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for the next dose, skip the dose and continue your scheduled dose.

• Take the medications regularly as prescribed by your doctor and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Never stop taking the medication without consulting the doctor if your symptoms go away and you feel good.

Side effects of Asacol:

Patients may experience some common side effects of Asacol:

• Nausea and Vomiting

• Stomach pain and Diarrhea

• Indigestion and gas

• Headache, muscle and joint pain

• Skin rash, and Itching

• Abnormal liver function tests

In some rare cases, Asacol may cause serious side effects, including:

• Severe abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, and fever

• Kidney problems (dark urine, change in the amount of urine, or blood in the urine)

• Yellowing of eyes and skin

• Chest pain, and shortness of breath

• Allergic reactions including rash, itching, swelling of the face, and throat, dizziness, and trouble breathing

Drug Interactions:

Asacol may interact with other medications. The drug interactions may cause severe reactions or may affect the working of medications. So it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including:

• Nephrotoxic agents such as Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Taking Asacol with NSAID may increase the risk of kidney problems.

• Aspirin

• Azathioprine

• Dichlorphenamide

• Medications containing balsalazide, olsalazine, or sulfasalazine

Safety Information

• Discuss the safety of Asacol with your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. The medication can cause harmful effects on the baby.

• Do not take the drug if you have an allergy to any ingredients of Asacol.

• Before starting the treatment, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions especially: kidney disease, liver disease, acute intolerance syndrome, and upper gastrointestinal obstruction.

• Patients taking Asacol should not use aspirin or aspirin-related medications. As it can increase the risk of a serious condition called Reye's syndrome.

• Avoid or limit alcohol consumption if you are taking Asacol Tablets.

Buy Asacol Online:

Buy Asacol online conveniently from LifeRx Pharmacy. Treating conditions like ulcerative colitis is now easier with Asacol available for purchase online. Asacol is a trusted medication widely recognized for its effectiveness in managing ulcerative colitis symptoms. You can get low Asacol costs at LifeRx Pharmacy. It's known to provide relief to many people, helping them live more comfortably.

Is there a generic for Asacol?

Yes, there is a generic version of Asacol available. Buy generic Asacol online at LifeRx Pharmacy. Generic mesalamine medications are typically more affordable alternatives to brand-name Asacol.

Can Asacol make colitis worse?

In rare cases, Asacol (Mesalamine) can potentially worsen symptoms of colitis, although this is uncommon. Some individuals may experience hypersensitivity reactions or intolerance to mesalamine-containing medications, leading to increased inflammation or exacerbation of symptoms. If someone experiences worsening symptoms while taking Asacol, they should consult their healthcare provider promptly for further evaluation and potential treatment plan adjustment.

Can Asacol cause acid reflux?

Asacol generally doesn't cause acid reflux as a common side effect. However, in some cases, individuals may experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as heartburn, indigestion, or abdominal discomfort while taking Asacol. If someone develops acid reflux symptoms while using Asacol, they should consult their healthcare provider for proper evaluation and management. Adjustments to the medication regimen or additional treatments may be necessary to alleviate these symptoms.

Can Asacol cause fatigue?

Fatigue is not a commonly reported side effect of Asacol (Mesalamine). However, like any medication, individuals may react differently, and some may experience fatigue while taking Asacol. If fatigue becomes bothersome or persistent while using Asacol, it's essential to discuss this with a healthcare provider. They can evaluate whether the fatigue is related to the medication or if other factors may be contributing to it, and recommend appropriate management strategies.

When is the best time to take Mesalamine?

The best time to take mesalamine, such as Asacol, often depends on individual preferences and lifestyle factors. However, it's commonly recommended to take mesalamine with meals to help minimize gastrointestinal side effects and improve absorption. Consistency in timing is also important for maintaining therapeutic levels of the medication in the body. It's essential to follow the specific dosing instructions a healthcare professional provides for optimal effectiveness.

References:

• https://www.rxlist.com/asacol-drug.htm

• https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-9006/asacol-oral/details