Mesalamine (5-aminosalicylic acid) Enema – Rectal, Rowasa

Medication Uses How To Use Side Effects Precautions Drug Interactions Overdose Notes Missed Dose Storage

USES: Mesalamine (also known as 5-aminosalicylic acid) is used to treat certain types of bowel disease (distal ulcerative colitis, proctosigmoiditis, proctitis). It may relieve mild-to-moderate pain and decrease the frequency of diarrhea/bloody stools caused by irritation/swelling in the colon/rectum. Mesalamine is an anti-inflammatory drug that works by blocking the production of certain natural chemicals that may cause pain and swelling. OTHER uses of this drug are not listed in the approved professional labeling, but may be prescribed by your health care professional. It may also be used to treat Crohn’s disease. HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before using mesalamine. Use this medication rectally once daily at bedtime, or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Visually inspect the contents of the bottle before use. The contents should be off-white to tan in color. A slight darkening of the medication is expected, but any enemas that turn dark brown should be discarded. This medication works best if you have a bowel movement before using it. Shake the bottle well. Insert the tip of the bottle into the rectum, pointing toward the navel. Squeeze out the entire contents of the bottle. Remain in position for 30 minutes. Try to keep the medication in the rectum for 8 hours. This medication may stain surfaces that it touches. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens. SIDE EFFECTS: Rectal pain, pain while inserting the bottle tip, gas, and joint/leg pain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. This medication may make symptoms of your condition worse (acute intolerance syndrome or sensitivity reaction). Tell your doctor immediately if you experience worsening stomach pain/cramping, bloody diarrhea, fever, or severe/prolonged headache. Tell your doctor immediately if any rare but serious side effects occur, including chest pain, trouble breathing, severe stomach/abdominal pain, or change in the amount of urine. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. PRECAUTIONS: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or other medications broken down into mesalamine. Talk to your pharmacist about any allergies or inactive ingredients in this product. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of asthma, kidney problems, pancreas problems, or pericarditis. Children and teenagers should not take aspirin or aspirin-related medications if they have chickenpox, flu, any undiagnosed illness, or have just been given a live virus vaccine, without first consulting a doctor. During pregnancy, use this medication only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before breastfeeding. DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. Keep a list of all the products you use and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval. This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests, possibly causing false results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug. OVERDOSE: This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If swallowing or overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Regularly perform lab and medical tests to monitor your progress and check for side effects. MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual schedule. Do not double the dose. STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Once opened, use all enemas promptly as directed by your physician. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details on how to safely discard your product.

QUESTION

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This material is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use. CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. It is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.