Asacol is a medication that has been licensed for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. This eMedTV Web page describes the effects of Asacol, offers general dosing information for the drug, and lists side effects that may occur during treatment.
Among the most common side effects of Asacol are belching, vomiting, and constipation. This eMedTV segment lists other common side effects, as well as a number of less common side effects and side effects that you should report to your doctor.
Certain side effects may occur with Asacol, and hair loss is an infrequent but possible problem. As this eMedTV page explains, however, since hair loss is so common in the general population, it is difficult to say if it is actually caused by Asacol.
Insomnia is a potential side effect of Asacol. This section of the eMedTV library offers more information on Asacol and insomnia, and includes suggestions for improving sleep habits. If insomnia doesn't improve, be sure to talk with your doctor.
Asacol is used for treating a type of inflammatory bowel disease called ulcerative colitis. This eMedTV resource briefly covers the symptoms of this condition, explains how Asacol works, and discusses possible "off-label" Asacol uses.
As this eMedTV page explains, the starting Asacol dosage for treating mild-to-moderately-active ulcerative colitis is two 400 mg tablets three times a day. This article covers factors that can affect Asacol dosing (such as other drugs you're taking).
Asacol may potentially worsen the symptoms of ulcerative colitis in some people. This eMedTV page lists other Asacol warnings and precautions you should be aware of before starting the drug and offers information on who should not take it at all.
If you are taking Asacol and pregnancy occurs, you should let your doctor know. This eMedTV page explains that while the drug did not appear to cause harm when given to pregnant animals, the full risks of taking Asacol during pregnancy are not known.
Asacol is known to pass through breast milk to nursing infants. This article on the eMedTV Web site further discusses Asacol and breastfeeding, and describes the side effects that have been seen in breastfed infants whose mothers have taken Asacol.
There have been very few reported cases of Asacol overdose. This portion of the eMedTV archives lists some of the available treatment options for an overdose on Asacol (such as pumping the stomach and supportive care).
There is currently no generic Asacol available on the market. This eMedTV Web page discusses the potential dangers of buying so-called "generic Asacol" products that can be found on the Internet and explains when the patent for Asacol expires.
