Asacol treats an inflammatory chronic condition called ulcerative colitis. Asacol relieves the inflammatory process that occurs in the colon and rectum with ulcerative colitis and can lead to remission. Ulcerative colitis complications cause severe nutritional deficiencies, hemorrhage, cirrhosis or perforation of the colon if left untreated. Asacol may cause alterations in lab test results such as elevated liver enzymes, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, amylase, lipase and LDH. Some changes in lab tests are a temporary effect of Asacol and resolve over time, while others require discontinuation.
Liver Enzymes
There are four types of liver enzymes; aspartate aminotransferase or AST, alanine aminotransferase or ALT, alkaline phosphatase or AP and gamma-glutamyl transferase or GGT. The AST and ALT enzymes increase with an inflammatory process or injury affecting the liver cells. The injury to the liver causes the enzymes to spill into the bloodstream. The AP and GGT enzymes increase with injury, blockage or an inflammatory process affecting the bile ducts. Elevations in liver enzyme levels might result from the temporary side effects of medications such as Asacol, requiring monitoring with laboratory tests.
Asacol Function
Asacol, generically known as mesalamine, treats the inflammation associated with active ulcerative colitis. If remission occurs with Asacol, discontinuation is possible or a reduction in dose might be necessary to maintain remission. The pills must be swallowed whole. The delayed-release tablets are coated to stabilize the medication until it reaches the colon to be dissolved. Asacol acts topically on the lining of the intestine to reduce inflammation in the colon. Occasionally, elevation of liver enzymes occurs without symptoms, but normally clears up with continued use or discontinuation of Asacol.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis primarily affects the mucous membrane lining of the colon, causing swelling and ulcerations of the colon with bloody diarrhea an initial complaint. A medical history of alternating remissions with symptomatic episodes, such as abdominal pain, cramping, recurrent bloody diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and weight loss, are typical of ulcerative colitis. Left untreated, ulcerative colitis carries a life-threatening risk of colorectal cancer. Diagnosis requires lab testing and a colonoscopy. No cure is available, but treatment may relieve symptoms and lead to remission.
Consideration
Asacol excretion is in the feces and urine. Diseases of the kidneys hamper excretion and might lead to a toxic reaction to Asacol called nephrotoxicity. A history of liver disease could contribute to liver failure when taking Asacol. Persons with a sensitivity to salicylates, also known as aspirin, may have a severe reaction to Asacol.
