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mesalamine (5-aminosalicylic acid) enema - rectal, Rowasa

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GENERIC NAME: MESALAMINE (5-AMINOSALICYLIC ACID) ENEMA - RECTAL (mess-AL-uh-meen)

BRAND NAME(S): Rowasa

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: Mesalamine (also known as 5-aminosalicylic acid) is used to treat certain types of bowel disease (distal ulcerative colitis, proctosigmoiditis, proctitis). It does not cure these conditions, but it may relieve mild-to-moderate pain and decrease the frequency of diarrhea/bloody stools caused by irritation/swelling in the colon/rectum. Mesalamine is an aminosalicylate anti-inflammatory drug. It is believed to work by blocking the production of certain natural chemicals that may cause pain and swelling.OTHER This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.This drug may also be used to treat Crohn's disease.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using mesalamine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.Use this medication rectally once daily at bedtime, or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.Visually inspect the contents of the bottle before use. The contents should be off-white to tan in color. A slight darkening of the medication is expected, but any enemas that turn dark brown should be discarded.This medication works best if you have a bowel movement before using it. Shake the bottle well. Holding the bottle at the neck, remove the cover from the applicator tip. Lie on your left side with your right knee bent. Insert the tip of the bottle into the rectum, pointing toward the navel. Gently and steadily squeeze out the entire contents of the bottle. Remove the bottle. Remain in position for 30 minutes. Throw away the empty bottle. Try to keep the medication in the rectum for 8 hours.This medication may stain surfaces that it touches (such as clothing, floor, and counter surfaces).Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS: Rectal pain, pain while inserting the bottle tip, gas, and joint/leg pain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Infrequently, this medication may make symptoms of your condition worse rather than better (acute intolerance syndrome or sensitivity reaction). Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of these unlikely but serious side effects: worsening stomach pain/cramping, worsening bloody diarrhea, fever, severe/prolonged headache.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, trouble breathing, severe stomach/abdominal pain (especially if spreading to the back), change in the amount of urine, easy bruising/bleeding, signs of infection (such as fever, persistent sore throat).A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

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