Rowasa

Rowasa is a prescription medicine that is used for the treatment of ulcerative colitis that specifically affects the rectum and the last part of the colon. The medication helps to reduce the symptoms of ulcerative proctitis by inhibiting the production of inflammatory chemicals in the lining of the colon. Rowasa comes in a liquid form that is used as an enema once a day. Side effects of Rowasa may include gas, abdominal pain (or stomach pain), nausea, and the flu.

 

What Is Rowasa?

Rowasa® (mesalamine) is a prescription medication that is used to treat ulcerative colitis that affects the rectum and the last part of the colon (known as ulcerative proctitis or ulcerative proctosigmoiditis). Rowasa is a liquid form of mesalamine that is used as an enema. At one time, Rowasa suppositories were available, but they are no longer being made.
 
(Click Rowasa Uses for more information on what Rowasa is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Rowasa?

Rowasa is manufactured by Alaven Pharmaceuticals.
 

How Does Rowasa Work?

Rowasa belongs to a group of medications called aminosalicylates. It is thought that Rowasa works by inhibiting the production of inflammatory chemicals in the lining of the colon. Rowasa decreases the production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, chemicals that lead to the inflammation of 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).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;