Asacol (Mesalamine) belongs to a class of medications called anti-inflammatory agents. Asacol (Mesalamine) helps treating pain and inflammation caused by ulcerative colitis. This medication works by stopping the production of certain substance inside the bowels that causes inflammation.

Doctor's prescription is required to use this medicine.

Always take Asacol (Mesalamine) as directed by your physician.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.

Asacol (Mesalamine) comes as a tablet to take by mouth. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it. Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking Asacol without talking to your doctor.

Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Always use Asacol (Mesalamine) exactly as directed by your doctor.

Before taking Asacol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or any other medications. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history. Tell your doctor about all the other prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking.

To ensure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• a stomach condition called pyloric stenosis;

• heart disease;

• kidney disease;

• liver disease; or

• a history of blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking mesalamine, call your doctor. Mesalamine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

Contact your doctor at once if you have:

• Allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.
• Severe stomach pain, cramping, bloody diarrhea.
• Fever, headache, skin rash.
• Bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
• Kidney problems - little or no urination, painful or difficult urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath.
• Liver problems - loss of appetite, upper stomach pain, tiredness, easy bruising or bleeding, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common Asacol side effects may include:

• Nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation.
• Runny or stuffy nose, sinus pain, sore throat.
• Flu-like symptoms.
• Headache, back pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

In case of overdose, seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of reach of children.

Store at room temperature.

Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I avoid while taking this medication?

Ask your doctor before using an antacid, and use only the type your doctor recommends. Some antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb mesalamine.