Rowasa Warnings and Precautions

There are many important Rowasa warnings and precautions to be aware of before starting the drug. For example, the medication may potentially cause kidney damage or a worsening of ulcerative colitis symptoms. Rowasa is not suitable for everyone; you should not take Rowasa if you are allergic to sulfites or any active or inactive ingredients used to make Rowasa.

 

Rowasa: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Rowasa® (mesalamine) if you have:
 
  • Kidney disease, including kidney failure (renal failure)
  • Any allergies, including allergies to sulfites, 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 currently be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 

Some Precautions and Warnings With Rowasa

Some warnings and precautions to be aware of with Rowasa include:
 
  • Rowasa contains sulfites, which may cause allergic reactions in some people. You should not use Rowasa if you are allergic to sulfites.
     
  • Rowasa may cause a worsening of ulcerative colitis. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if your ulcerative colitis symptoms worsen when you start taking Rowasa.
     
  • Rowasa may cause kidney damage. Your healthcare provider may decide to check your kidney function (using a blood test) before you start Rowasa and periodically thereafter.
     
  • Rowasa is considered a pregnancy Category B medication. This means that it is probably safe for pregnant women, though the full risks of taking this medicine during pregnancy are not known. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of using Rowasa during pregnancy (see Rowasa and Pregnancy).
     
  • Mesalamine (the active ingredient of Rowasa) passes through breast milk when taken orally. However, since mesalamine is not absorbed well into the bloodstream when taken rectally, it is not known if Rowasa can pass through breast milk. If you are breastfeeding or plan to start breastfeeding, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about using Rowasa (see Rowasa and Breastfeeding for more information).
     
  • Rowasa can interact with certain other medications (see Rowasa Drug Interactions).
     
(Rowasa Warnings and Precautions Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;