Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a condition that affects nearly 2.1 million Americans, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). Ulcerative colitis disease is a specific IBD characterized by inflammation of the lining of the colon and rectum. The disease affects individuals at any age with the most common symptoms being abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea. Several drug therapies exist such as Asacol to relieve the symptoms associated with ulcerative colitis.
Indications
Asacol, also known by the generic name mesalamine, is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of mild to moderate active ulcerative colitis. It is also prescribed for maintenance of remission of the disease. Asacol is an anti-inflammatory prescription medication that works on certain chemicals produced by the body to reduce the symptoms associated with ulcerative colitis.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Asacol include vomiting, fever, nausea, dizziness, headache, constipation, pain in the abdomen or back, diarrhea and weakness. These are side effects as reported from participants in clinical trials and do not occur in every individual; generally, the medication provides a benefit that outweighs side effects, according to Medeve Pharma Suisse AG. Rare, but serious side effects can occur and include dark-colored urine, persistent flu-like symptoms, severe pain or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Warning
The FDA warns individuals not to take Asacol if they are allergic to mesalamine or salicylates, two ingredients in Asacol. It is also important to note that Asacol can cause dizziness, so vehicles and machinery should not be operated if dizziness is present. Stomach bleeding is possible while taking Asacol and alcohol increases the risk of this occurring. Individuals who have kidney or liver problems, asthma, pyloric stenosis, pancreatitis, or pericarditis should consult with a physician before taking Asacol.
Administration
The medication is prescribed to be taken by mouth with or without food and is available as a capsule that is not designed to be crushed, chewed or broken apart. Asacol is a delayed-release tablet with a special outer coating allowing the drug to travel to the colon before releasing its active ingredients. This allows the full dose of Asacol to therapeutically act directly at the site of inflammation in the colon of individuals with ulcerative colitis.
Considerations
Medeve Pharma Suisse AG recommends several steps to gain the greatest benefit from Asacol in treating ulcerative colitis. First, it is important to take Asacol exactly as prescribed. It may be tempting to stop taking the medication after symptoms improve, but to gain the full benefit of the drug continued administration as prescribed by a doctor is needed to control inflammation. It is recommended to keep the prescribing doctor informed of all changes in health and medications to avoid any complications. Lastly, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important for improved physical and mental health.
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