Asacol Side Effects

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Asacol, a brand of oral mesalamine, is a prescription drug used for treating mild or moderate cases of ulcerative colitis. Asacol is an anti-inflammatory agent, meaning that it affects substances in the body that cause inflammation. It can treat active cases of UC, and also keep it in remission to help prevent future flare-ups. It comes in two formulas: Asacol and Asacol HD.[1]

Asacol side effects include headache, constipation, gassiness and symptoms associated with the flu. Those with pyloric stenosis, an allergy to sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), heart conditions, or liver or kidney disease may need dosage adjustments or special tests to safely take Asacol.[2]



Flickr: euthman
Brand name for Mesalamine[2]
Manufacturer Warner Chilcott[1]
Uses Treats mild to moderate ulcerative colitis[3]
Common side effects Headache, bowel issues, pain in the muscles or joints, acne, anxiety, light loss of hair[2]
Who should not take Asacol Those allergic to mesalamine or salicylates[3]
Disclaimer The information provided by PharmacyDrugGuide.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not take any action based on the information on this page without consulting a physician.
 

Contents

Common Asacol Side Effects

Common side effects of Asacol include headache, drowsiness, upset stomach, sore throat, hemorrhoids, rectal pain, acne, slight hair loss, stuffy head, gas, ear pain, cough, runny nose, dry mouth, excessive perspiration and burping.[2]

Serious side effects of Asacol include throwing up blood, bloody diarrhea, shortness of breath, chest pain, black stool with the consistency of tar, confused feelings, changes in the frequency of urination and blood in the urine.[2]

Drug Side Effects

Side effects that can occur with drugs like Asacol

Asacol Allergic Reactions

Patients who are allergic to mesalamine will likely experience reactions to Asacol. In addition, patients who are allergic to salicylate pain relievers like aspirin, sulfites, olsalazine or balsalazide may have reactions to Asacol.[2] Asacol's inactive ingredients, such as colloidal silicon dioxide, dibutyl phthalate, edible black ink, iron oxide red, iron oxide yellow, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, methacrylic acid copolymer B (Eudragit S), polyethylene glycol, povidone, sodium starch glycolate, and talc, may also cause allergic reactions in certain individuals.[4]

Asacol Precautions and Warnings

  • Women are advised to consult with a physician before taking or continuing treatment with Asacol if they become or intend to become pregnant, or if they are planning to breastfeed.[2]
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and other medications for ulcerative colitis like balsalazide (Colazal) may interact with Asacol.[2]
  • Asacol may cause a flare up of ulcerative colitis to occur. This makes differentiating between a reaction to the medicine and an untreated flare up difficult.[2]
  • Patients with a history of liver disease may experience hepatatic failure when treated with mesalamine.[4]
  • Asacol is only meant to be swallowed whole. Crushing or chewing the tablets can interfere with the extended-release function, which relies on the coating.[2]
  • Asacol has not been well-studied in patients over the age of 65, and decreased function of the liver, kidneys and heart in elderly individuals could potentially lead to problems with this drug.[2]
  • It can be difficult to distinguish a reaction to Asacol from a UC flare-up. Reactions can be dangerous if left untreated, so patients are advised to watch for symptoms such as pain or cramping in the stomach, rash, weakness, headache, red or irritated eyes, or diarrhea with blood in it.[2]
  • Asacol can cause dizziness in some patients, and this can make it unsafe to operate a motor vehicle. Patients are advised not to drive until it is clear that they can do so safely.[5]
  • In rare cases, men may become less fertile with Asacol. Men taking Asacol who are having trouble impregnating their partners are advised to discuss the possibility with their doctor.[5]


Also See: Drug Side Effects, Asacol Coupons, Valtrex Side Effects, Prednisone Side Effects, Yervoy Side Effects, Remicade Side Effects

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 http://www.asacol.com/index.jsp
  2. ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000880/
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?id=12252
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 http://www.asacol.com/pdf/asacol-info.pdf
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 http://www.webmd.com/drugs/mono-1020-MESALAMINE+DELAYED-RELEASE+EC+TABLET+-+ORAL.aspx?drugid=9006&drugname=Asacol+Oral
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