Asacol Uses

Asacol uses are focused primarily on the treatment of ulcerative colitis in adults. The medication can also help prevent the symptoms of ulcerative colitis from returning in people who are in remission. Occasionally, healthcare providers may also prescribe Asacol for treating other conditions (which is known as using the drug "off-label"). Among these potential off-label Asacol uses is the treatment of Crohn's disease.

 

An Overview of Asacol Uses

Asacol® (mesalamine) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to treat ulcerative colitis. It is part of a group of medications known as aminosalicylates.
 
Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that leads to inflammation and sores in the lining of the large intestine and rectum. It commonly causes abdominal pain (or stomach pain), diarrhea, and other symptoms like rectal bleeding or an extreme urgency to have a bowel movement. At this time, the causes of ulcerative colitis are not fully understood. Although ulcerative colitis complications can be quite severe, there is one ulcerative colitis cure -- surgery. Other than surgery (see Ulcerative Colitis Surgery), ulcerative colitis treatment options can include the following:
 
Asacol is approved to treat mild-to-moderately-active ulcerative colitis. The medicine helps to reduce the symptoms of the condition. Asacol is also approved to prevent ulcerative colitis symptoms from returning in people who are in ulcerative colitis remission.
 
(Asacol Uses Continued: Page 2)
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;