Asacol is the brand name for mesalamine, an anti-inflammatory drug which comes in slow release pill form. The oblong, deep red, Asacol pill is prescribed for inflammatory bowel diseases.
Significance
Asacol is an ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease treatment that is used to ease symptoms of these incurable conditions. The medication must be taken whole and pills should never be broken or crushed.
New Prescription Effects
When a patient begins to take Asacol she may feel dizzy, experience indigestion, bloating, gas, burping, minor stomach pain, body aches, edema (swelling of feet or hands), constipation, diarrhea, weakness, hemorrhoids,cough, dry mouth, acne, hair loss and sweating. These symptoms may subside as the medication fights the inflammatory disease.
Side Effects
The ulcerative colitis treatment has more serious side effects that must be monitored. A patient may suffer from a sore throat, unusual fatigue, decreased libido, stomach cramps, yellowing skin or eyes, chest pain, bloody diarrhea, dark urine or rectal pain.
Allergic Reaction
A patient must call his doctor if he begins to have trouble breathing, dizziness, swelling, a rash or itching. He may notice uncomfortable or severe symptoms that are questionable and should be addressed by the doctor.
Warning
Asacol or mesalamine may cause renal failure, pericarditis, myocarditis and peptic ulcer in rare cases.
Tags: Side Effects, ulcerative colitis