Ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease, is often quite disruptive to daily activities, and, therefore, drug treatment is often used to manage this disease. Asacol HD (mesalamine) is a delayed-release drug used to treat ulcerative colitis that is not severe. A typical dosage of Asacol HD is two 800 milligrams (mg) tablets, taken three times daily for six weeks. The long-term effects of this drug, past six weeks of use, are not yet known, reports Daily Med.
Abdominal Discomfort & Nausea
Abdominal discomfort and nausea can occur due to Asacol HD treatment. These problems may be sporadic or ongoing; however, the effects are rare.
Headaches
Headaches can arise due to Asacol HD use, notes Daily Med. Though headaches are rare symptoms, it is important to always get such symptoms checked by a doctor.
Colitis Can Become Worse
Colitis symptoms such as stomach cramping, bloody diarrhea and lack of energy, will sometimes become more severe while undergoing treatment with Asacol HD, notes Daily Med.
Drug Moves into Breast Milk
Asacol HD has been shown to be transmitted by breast milk. The breast milk can then harm a baby who is nursing, notes My Health. Do not take this drug while breastfeeding or pregnant.
Renal Damage
Renal damage such as nephropathy and acute and chronic interstitial nephritis can occur with Asacol HD use. In rare cases Asacol HD can cause renal failure. During treatment with this drug, renal function will be closely monitored, notes Daily Med. Talk to the doctor if any symptoms of kidney trouble arise.
Overdose
An overdose can occur with Asacol HD. Symptoms will include dizziness, mental confusion, difficulty breathing, sweatiness and vomiting, notes My Health. Seek immediate medical care if symptoms of an overdose occur.
Allergic Reaction
Allergic reaction will sometimes occur during Asacol HD treatment, notes My Health. Symptoms typically include swelling of the face, tongue, lips or throat; problems with breathing; and hives. An allergic reaction can come on very suddenly during treatment with this drug.
Gastric Retention
Ongoing gastric retention can occur as a side effect of taking Asacol HD. This typically occurs if a condition called pyloric stenosis, in which the opening of stomach to the small intestine is too narrow, is present before the drug treatment. Discuss all possible side effects of Asacol HD before starting treatment to ensure it will not be problematic due to preexisting conditions.
