Balsalazide is used to treat ulcerative colitis (a disease that causes inflammation and sores in the linings of the large intestine and rectum).
Take Balsalazide exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water or it may be opened and sprinkled on applesauce. The applesauce mixture may be chewed and should be swallowed immediately. Do not store the mixture for later use. Try to take it at the same time each day.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Balsalazide must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Balsalazide if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or similar medicines such as mesalazine, aspirin or other salicylates.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- severe liver disease
- moderate to severe kidney disease
as Balsalazide may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- asthma
- blood disorders
- active stomach ulcer
- pyloric stenosis (thickening and narrowing of the stomach outlet)
- atopic dermatitis or eczema (a skin condition characterised by patches of red and itchy skin)
- mild to moderate liver disease
- mild kidney disease or history of kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Balsalazide to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have certain laboratory tests (e.g. urinary test for normetanephrine levels), inform your doctor that you are taking this medicine.
While you are being treated with Balsalazide, make sure to drink an adequate amount of water or other fluids to minimise the risk of kidney stone formation.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver or kidney function, complete blood count, urine test) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of allergic reaction and intolerance reaction (e.g. fever, headache, rash, abdominal pain, cramping, bloody diarrhoea) may also be needed.
Balsalazide may cause any of the following side effects: headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, stomach wind, cough, tiredness, muscle or joint pain, hair loss, and teeth or tongue staining (when sprinkled on applesauce).
This medicine may also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Apply sunscreen when going outdoors and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV lamps.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the deep layers of the skin usually around the face, throat, and lips
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth, or eyes accompanied by fever
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- frequent sore throat, mouth sores, fever, chills or sweating
- chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat
- new or worsening stomach pain or cramps, bloody stools, fever
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
- signs and symptoms of kidney problem or disease e.g. pain or difficulty in passing urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine
- signs and symptoms of kidney stone e.g. severe side or back pain, belly pain, or blood in the urine
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines used in certain immune disorders e.g. azathioprine, mercaptopurine
- digoxin (medicine for heart failure [weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood])
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation)
- certain oral antibiotics
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Balsalazide.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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