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Rowasa
Rowasa is commonly prescribed for the treatment of ulcerative colitis that specifically affects the rectum and the last part of the colon. The medication helps to reduce symptoms by inhibiting the production of inflammatory chemicals in the lining of the colon. It comes in a liquid form that is used as an enema once a day. Side effects may include gas, abdominal pain, nausea, and the flu.
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Rowasa® (mesalamine) is a prescription medication used to treat ulcerative colitis that affects the rectum and the last part of the colon (known as ulcerative proctitis or ulcerative proctosigmoiditis). It is a liquid form of mesalamine that is used as an enema. At one time, suppositories were available, but they are no longer being made.
(Click Rowasa Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
Rowasa is manufactured by Alaven Pharmaceuticals.
Rowasa belongs to a group of medications called aminosalicylates. It is thought to work by inhibiting the production of inflammatory chemicals in the lining of the colon. The medication decreases the production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, chemicals that lead to the inflammation associated with ulcerative colitis.
Because Rowasa is used as an enema, it is effective for ulcerative colitis that affects just the rectum and the last parts of the colon. This includes ulcerative proctitis (which affects just the rectum), ulcerative proctosigmoiditis (which affects the rectum and the sigmoid colon, the very end of the colon), and distal ulcerative colitis (which affects the rectum, sigmoid colon, and the descending colon).
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD