Asacol Side Effects

Back pain, a sore throat, and abdominal pain (or stomach pain) are some of the most common side effects reported with Asacol. A few less common side effects include drowsiness, shakiness, and hair loss. In most cases, side effects of the medication are minor and either don't require treatment or can easily be treated. However, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience serious Asacol side effects like gout, depression, or decreased urination.

 

An Introduction to Asacol Side Effects

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Asacol® (mesalamine); however, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate Asacol well. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Asacol. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Asacol side effects with you.)
 

Common Side Effects With Asacol

Asacol has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these studies, the side effects that occur in a group of people taking the drug are documented and are then compared to side effects that occur in another group of people not taking the medicine. This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
 
In these studies, some of the most common Asacol side effects included:
 
  • Abdominal pain (or stomach pain) -- in up to 18 percent of people
  • Belching -- up to 16 percent
  • Pain -- up to 14 percent
  • A sore throat -- up to 11 percent
  • Back pain -- up to 7 percent
  • Joint pain -- up to 5 percent
  • Muscle tension -- up to 5 percent
  • Vomiting -- up to 5 percent
  • Constipation -- up to 5 percent.
     
Some other common Asacol side effects (occurring in 2 percent to 3 percent of people) included:
 
(Asacol Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;