Asacol or 5-ASA EC (Mesalamine)

It works by treating swelling in the rectum.

Asacol comes in an oral tablet that is taken orally around 3 times a day, depending on your doctor’s instructions. The tablets need to be taken whole to make sure that the medicine reaches the colon. Crushing, splitting or chewing the pill will prevent it from working properly.

You should drink lots of water when taking your doses. This will prevent kidney stones from forming. You should keep taking it even when you feel better. Do not change your dose otherwise your treatment will be impacted.

Your dose is based on your condition and results of previous treatment. Do not take extra doses as this will not treat symptoms of ulcerative colitis treatment better and may cause side effects. If you miss a dose, you can take it when you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, you can skip the missed dose.

All orders from Sunshine Pharmacy are delivered in the manufacturer's packaging and include a medicine information sheet. We ask that you carefully read this information sheet and call us if you have any questions or do not understand the document .

Before you start taking asacol, let your doctor know if you have a history of the following conditions:

• liver disease
• eczema
• stomach blockage
• atopic dermatitis
• kidney disease

These conditions may worsen when taking asacol or they may affect how the drug works. You may be more sensitive to sunlight when taking this medication. You may be more sensitive to sunlight when taking asacol.

You should avoid direct sunlight for extended periods of time and use sunscreen and wear protective clothing. You should avoid tanning booths as well. Call your healthcare professionals if you develop blisters, redness or sunburn.

If you are taking other prescription drugs to treat ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, follow your doctor's instructions to get the best result. Seem immediate medical attention of you experience trouble breathing or acute intolerance syndrome.

There are potential known drug interactions associated with Asacol. You should disclose all of your current vitamins, supplements, OTC drugs, herbal products and all current prescription medicines. Our pharmacists will provide therapeutic screening for all orders against this supplied list.

Call your doctor or seek immediate medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction or drug interaction.

• Salicylic Acid
• Valdecoxib
• Celecoxib
• Sulfasalazine
• Loxoprofen
• Fenoprofen
• Ketoprofen
• Tiaprofenic Acid
• Rofecoxib
• Choline Salicylate
• Sulindac
• Diflunisal
• Etodolac
• Etoricoxib
• Feprazone
• Trolamine Salicylate
• Aceclofenac
• Lumiracoxib
• Dexketoprofen
• Diclofenac

We do not list all possible known side effects.You may experience a side effect that is not provided here. If you find that you are noticing severe side effects call your doctor or one of our pharmacists for counseling and medical advice.

Your doctor will normally balance the benefits of treatment versus any possible adverse reactions. Please call us and speak to the pharmacist if you have concerns about buying Asacol online.

• sore throat
• pounding in the ears
• yellow eyes or skin
• red, irritated eyes
• rapid breathing
• Burning, numbness, tingling, or painful sensations
• Acne
• swelling of the feet or lower legs
• nervousness
• weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet
• swollen or painful glands
• trouble sleeping
• runny or stuffy nose
• dizziness
• change in the ability to see colors, especially blue or yellow
• stomach pain
• joint pain
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• Sneezing
• pain in the ankles or knees
• weight gain
• excess air or gas in the stomach or bowels
• light-colored stools
• increased thirst
• Cramping, Bloody diarrhea
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals
• slow or fast heartbeat
• swelling of the stomach area
• heartburn
• Anxiety
• headache, nausea

The generic equivalent is Mesalamine.