Asacol: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking
Asacol® (
mesalamine) if you have:
- Pyloric stenosis (narrowing of the outlet of the stomach)
- Kidney disease, including kidney failure (renal failure)
- Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also let your healthcare provider know if you:
- Are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
- Are breastfeeding.
You should also be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may be currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Some Asacol Warnings and Precautions
Some Asacol warnings and precautions to be aware of include:
- Asacol may be less effective in people with pyloric stenosis. Pyloris stenosis may delay the release of Asacol into the colon (where it is effective).
- Asacol may cause a worsening of ulcerative colitis. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if your ulcerative colitis symptoms worsen when you start taking Asacol.
- Asacol may cause kidney damage in some people. Your healthcare provider should check your kidney function (using a blood test) before you start Asacol and periodically thereafter. You should not take Asacol if you have kidney disease, including kidney failure (or renal failure).
- Some people notice intact Asacol tablets in their stool. This is not normal and should be reported to your healthcare provider.
- Asacol is considered a pregnancy Category B medication. This means that it is probably safe for pregnant women, though the full risks of taking the drug during pregnancy are not known. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of using Asacol during pregnancy (see Asacol and Pregnancy).
- Asacol passes through breast milk. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding or plan to start breastfeeding, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about using Asacol (see Asacol and Breastfeeding for more information).
- Asacol can interact with certain other medications (see Asacol Drug Interactions).
