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Asacol HD Safety Information and Precautions

Here are some important safety precautions for taking Asacol HD (mesalamine) delayed-release tablets: 

  • You should not take Asacol HD if you are allergic to any of the ingredients or to salicylates such as aspirin.
  • If you have liver problems, kidney problems, or a history of kidney disease, you should tell your doctor before starting Asacol HD.
  • It is recommended that all patients have their kidney function tested prior to starting and periodically while on Asacol HD treatment.
  • If you are pregnant, become pregnant, or are a nursing mother, talk with your doctor before taking Asacol HD.
  • Worsening of ulcerative colitis symptoms can occur with Asacol HD. Symptoms usually resolve when Asacol HD tablets are discontinued.
  • Some people who have had a reaction to sulfasalazine may have a similar reaction to Asacol HD or other products that contain mesalamine. Such a reaction may include worsening of ulcerative colitis symptoms (i.e., cramping, abdominal pain, and bloody diarrhea) and, occasionally, fever, headache, general discomfort, itching, rash, and conjunctivitis (an inflammation of part of the eye).
  • If you have pyloric stenosis (a narrowing of the outlet from the stomach), you should tell your doctor before starting Asacol HD.

 

Asacol HD is designed with a special coating that targets the delivery of the medication to the colon, where it is needed.

When taking Asacol HD, be sure to swallow the tablets whole—do not break or chew them as this may break the special coating.

  • Intact, partially intact, and/or tablet shells have been reported in the stool. If this occurs repeatedly, contact your doctor.
  • If switching from a previous oral mesalamine therapy to Asacol HD, discontinue previous oral mesalamine therapy and follow instructions for Asacol HD.
  • Close the Asacol HD container tightly and leave any desiccant pouches in the bottle along with the tablets to protect from moisture.

 

Most Common Side Effects of Asacol HD

Asacol HD is generally well tolerated. In clinical studies, some patients reported headache, upset stomach, sore throat, stomach pain, and worsening of ulcerative colitis symptoms. While these are the most common side effects, serious side effects may occur with Asacol HD.

Asacol HD Is Generally Well Tolerated

In studies of flare-ups, some people taking Asacol HD reported headache, upset stomach, sore throat, stomach pain, and worsening of ulcerative colitis symptoms.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about the potential Asacol HD side effects. It’s also important to visit your doctor periodically to monitor your condition and discuss your treatment plan.

Take Your Asacol HD As Prescribed

Taking your Asacol HD as prescribed by your doctor is an important part of helping to manage the symptoms of ulcerative colitis.

 

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