The generically named medication mesalamine is sold in the United States under a variety of brand names, including Canasa. Doctors prescribe it as part of the treatment of ulcerative colitis, which is an inflammatory disease of the bowels. Canasa functions by decreasing the amount of inflammation in your intestines. It also treats other symptoms of this particular inflammatory bowel disease. It also may be prescribed for Crohn's disease if it is moderate or mild in intensity.
Pain and Cramps
There are several common and non-serious side effects possible when taking Canasa mesalamine for ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. Among the most common are cramps and pain. Both the cramps---which are spasms in your muscles that cause pain---and pain typically occur in your abdominal region. The Mayo Clinic states that in both cases, the discomfort should be mild. You also may experience pain and cramping in your stomach, again mildly, and you may get nauseous from taking the drug. None of these kinds of side effects requires medical attention in most cases. However, if you continue to experience these types of problems for a week or more, consult your physician about them.
Diarrhea and Dizziness
Because Canasa mesalamine functions in your bowels, it can throw off your usual digestive processes. This can lead to the aforementioned cramps, as well as making your intestines leave too much liquid in your feces, which results in diarrhea. The imbalance in your system also can throw off your sense of balance. You may feel as if you are in motion constantly, or that you or your environment appear to be spinning. This dizziness also is a common side effect of taking Canasa mesalamine, whether as an oral or rectal medication. Neither of these types of effects continue more than several days after the start of treatment in most people. Tell your doctor if they persist.
Hair Loss and Headaches
Another common and disconcerting side effect associated with taking Canasa mesalamine is a thinning or loss of your hair. This problem, for most people, will be short-lived in that it is associated with the beginning of treatment with the medication, Drugs.com reports, and should disappear without medical aid in a few days. Headaches, which are mild for most users of Canasa mesalamine, also are reported as temporary and non-serious side effects of the medicine.
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