PENTASA

IMPORTANT NOTE:
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS INTENDED TO SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUBSTITUTE FOR, THE EXPERTISE AND JUDGMENT OF YOUR PHYSICIAN, PHARMACIST OR OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. IT SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO INDICATE THAT USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR YOU. CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING THIS DRUG.

MESALAMINE - CAPSULE (mess-AL-uh-meen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Pentasa

USES:
This medication is used to treat swelling and inflammation of the colon or rectum. It is often used to treat ulcerative colitis.

HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION:
Swallow capsules whole. Do not crush or chew them. Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or take this more often than directed. It may take up to 3 weeks for the effects of this medication to be noticed. If your symptoms do not improve or become worse while taking this medication, contact your doctor.

SIDE EFFECTS:
Diarrhea, loss of appetite, headache, nausea, abdominal pain or indigestion may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor promptly if you develop:
chest pain, fever, vomiting, increased urination, sore throat, bloody diarrhea or rectal pain, yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, unusual fatigue. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:
rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, breathing trouble. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of:
kidney disease, asthma, allergies (especially to aspirin-like medications or to sulfasalazine). This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol, especially when combined with this medicine, may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Before using this drug, tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Mesalamine is excreted into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all over-the-counter and prescription medication you may use, especially of:
methotrexate, oral diabetes drugs, certain gout medicines (e.g., probenecid), sulfasalazine, olsalazine, acetazolamide-type drugs (CAI). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include ringing in ears, headache, confusion, drowsiness, sweating, fast breathing, vomiting, and diarrhea.

NOTES:
Do not share this medication with others. Blood tests may be performed to monitor your progress.

MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.