Mesalazine is used to treat ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. These diseases cause inflammation in the digestive tract (bowel) and are also known as "inflammatory bowel diseases". Mesalazine helps to relieve the diarrhoea, stomach cramps and pain present in these diseases.
Take Mesalazine 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.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about whether you should take Mesalazine with or without food. Different brands of Mesalazine may be taken differently. Try to take it at the same time each day.
If you are taking the modified-release type of tablet (usually labelled as MR), swallow it whole, do not divide, chew or crush the tablet.
You may need to take Mesalazine for some time before the full benefits can be felt. Continue to take it even when you feel better. Do not stop taking Mesalazine unless advised 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.
Alert your doctor if you have the following:
- allergy to medicines similar to Mesalazine such as salicylates (e.g. aspirin)
- kidney disease
as Mesalazine may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- liver disease
- blood disorders
- stomach ulcers
- sulfasalazine allergy
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Alert your doctor if you find whole or partially whole tablets in your stool on more than one occasion.
You may need to have regular blood tests to make sure that your blood counts and kidney function are normal while you are being treated with Mesalazine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these blood tests.
Mesalazine may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea, stomach pain, bloating, wind in the stomach and headache.
Other side effects are not common, but may be serious. Alert your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms:
- rash, muscle and joint pain
- worsening of your bowel problems with symptoms such as fever, bloody diarrhoea and stomach cramps
- frequent and persistent mouth ulcers or sore throat with fever
- yellowing of the skin or eyes with abdominal pain or persistent tiredness
- unusual bruising or bleeding
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if your experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- warfarin (blood-thinning medicine)
- other medicines such as azathioprine, mercaptopurine, tioguanine, methotrexate
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, 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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