Canasa: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to using
Canasa® (
mesalamine) if you have:
- Kidney disease, including kidney failure (renal failure)
- A history of pancreatitis (an inflamed pancreas)
- A history of pericarditis (inflammation of the sac around the heart)
- Any allergies, including allergies to aspirin, food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
- Are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
- Are breastfeeding.
Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you are currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Specific Canasa Warnings and Precautions
Some warnings and precautions to be aware of prior to taking Canasa include the following:
- Canasa may cause ulcerative colitis to become worse. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if your symptoms worsen when you start taking it (see Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis).
- The medication may cause kidney damage. Your healthcare provider may decide to check your kidney function (using a blood test) before you start Canasa and again periodically thereafter.
- There have been a few reported cases of pericarditis (inflammation of the sac around the heart) in people who took mesalamine products.
- Canasa is considered a pregnancy Category B medication. This means that it is probably safe for pregnant women, although the full risks are not known. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of using the drug while pregnant (see Canasa and Pregnancy).
- Mesalamine (the active ingredient in Canasa) passes through breast milk. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding or plan to start, discuss this with your healthcare provider prior to taking Canasa (see Canasa and Breastfeeding).
- Canasa can interact with certain medications (see Canasa Drug Interactions).
