Mesalamine

Q: What are the long term effects of taking mesalamine?

<p>These side effects include worsening <a href="https://www.withpower.com/clinical-trials/colitis">colitis</a>; renal toxicity such as interstitial nephritis and nephrotic syndrome; pulmonary toxicity such as interstitial lung disease and fibrosis, bronchiolitis obliterans, pulmonary granulomatosis, and eosinophilic pleural effusion; pericarditis, pancreatitis, hair loss, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome.</p>

Proctitis, Proctocolitis, Colitis, Ulcerative + 2 more

Treatment

1 FDA approval

0 Active Studies for Mesalamine

Treatment for

Proctitis

What is Mesalamine

Mesalazine

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Mesalazine is a medication used to reduce inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It belongs to the same family of drugs as acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) and is related to salicylates. Mesalazine has been used to treat and maintain remission for ulcerative colitis, but historically has had difficulty maintaining stability as a pharmaceutical. Recent research initiatives have developed more stable formulations, such as Asacol’s eudragit-S coating and Pentasa’s microgranules. Research into novel methods to stabilize mesalazine continues and its potential to reduce the risk of

Rowasa

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Mesalamine Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Rowasa

Mesalazine

1988

107

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Mesalazine, otherwise called Rowasa, is approved by the FDA for 1 uses which include Crohn Disease .

Crohn Disease

Effectiveness

How Mesalamine Affects Patients

Mesalazine is one of the two ingredients in the drug sulphasalazine, which is used to treat ulcerative colitis. It works by reducing inflammation and stopping leukocytes from moving and producing free radicals. Mesalazine is mainly effective when taken locally, rather than systemically. In studies with mice and guinea pigs, mesalazine was found to be as effective as prednisone and sulphasalazine in reducing colitis symptoms.

How Mesalamine works in the body

Mesalazine works by blocking the production of pro-inflammatory molecules in the colon. This includes blocking the production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which are involved in inflammation. It also activates certain receptors and inhibits enzymes that are linked to inflammation. Additionally, it helps to reduce leukocyte migration and decrease free radical formation, which can reduce inflammation.

When to interrupt dosage

The proposed dose of Mesalamine is contingent upon the specified disorder. The amount of dosage also relies upon the approach of administration outlined in the table below.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Proctitis

400.0 mg, , 1200.0 mg, 800.0 mg, 400.0 mg/mL, 500.0 mg, 1000.0 mg, 375.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 0.4 mg/mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg/mL, 1000.0 mg/pump actuation, 0.2 mg/mg

, Tablet, delayed release, Oral, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Capsule, delayed release, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Enema, Kit, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Suspension - Rectal, Suspension, Rectal, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Suppository, Suppository - Rectal, Enema - Rectal, Tablet, Delayed Release - Oral, Tablet, Delayed Release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Enema; Liquid - Rectal, Enema; Liquid, Kit - Rectal

Ulcerative Colitis

400.0 mg, , 1200.0 mg, 800.0 mg, 400.0 mg/mL, 500.0 mg, 1000.0 mg, 375.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 0.4 mg/mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg/mL, 1000.0 mg/pump actuation, 0.2 mg/mg

Proctocolitis

400.0 mg, , 1200.0 mg, 800.0 mg, 400.0 mg/mL, 500.0 mg, 1000.0 mg, 375.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 0.4 mg/mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg/mL, 1000.0 mg/pump actuation, 0.2 mg/mg

Crohn Disease

400.0 mg, , 1200.0 mg, 800.0 mg, 400.0 mg/mL, 500.0 mg, 1000.0 mg, 375.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 0.4 mg/mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg/mL, 1000.0 mg/pump actuation, 0.2 mg/mg

Colitis, Ulcerative

400.0 mg, , 1200.0 mg, 800.0 mg, 400.0 mg/mL, 500.0 mg, 1000.0 mg, 375.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 0.4 mg/mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 200.0 mg/mL, 1000.0 mg/pump actuation, 0.2 mg/mg

Warnings

Mesalamine has eight contraindications, so it should not be administered when one is going through any of the conditions detailed in the ensuing table.

Mesalamine Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions

Do Not Combine

Mesalazine may interact with Pulse Frequency

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Mesalamine.

Common Mesalamine Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Macimorelin

Major

The therapeutic efficacy of Macimorelin can be decreased when used in combination with Mesalazine.

Methotrexate

Major

The serum concentration of Methotrexate can be increased when it is combined with Mesalazine.

Mifamurtide

Major

The therapeutic efficacy of Mifamurtide can be decreased when used in combination with Mesalazine.

Neomycin

Major

The risk or severity of nephrotoxicity can be increased when Mesalazine is combined with Neomycin.

Omacetaxine mepesuccinate

Major

The risk or severity of bleeding can be increased when Mesalazine is combined with Omacetaxine mepesuccinate.

Mesalamine Toxicity & Overdose Risk

In two-year studies, mesalazine did not increase the risk of cancer in rats when given up to 320mg/kg/day. It also did not cause any changes to fertility or reproduction. Symptoms of an overdose on mesalazine include nausea, vomiting, fast or deep breathing, ringing in the ears, headache, dizziness, confusion, and seizures. If this happens, treatment can include removing the drug from the body and correcting fluid and electrolyte imbalances. People with kidney problems should be monitored closely when taking mesalazine.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Mesalamine Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Mesalamine?

Currently, 96 trials are being conducted to assess the potential of Mesalamine to alleviate symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Proctocolitis

0 Actively Recruiting

Proctitis

0 Actively Recruiting

Crohn Disease

0 Actively Recruiting

Colitis, Ulcerative

0 Actively Recruiting

Ulcerative Colitis

0 Actively Recruiting

Mesalamine Reviews: What are patients saying about Mesalamine?

Patient Review

7/2/2022

Mesalamine for Ulcerated Colon

This suppository has been nothing short of a godsend. I was experiencing a year of extreme discomfort due to ulceration, but this treatment completely changed my life. It's easy to use and I haven't experienced any negative side effects.

Patient Review

2/13/2008

Mesalamine for Ulcerative Colitis currently Without Symptoms

I took this asacol for ulcerative colitis a few months ago. It worked well at first, but then my diarrhea came back and hasn't gone away since. Now I have to take prednisone in addition to this medication, which is frustrating.

Patient Review

8/4/2009

Mesalamine for Crohn's Disease

This was used to treat my Crohn's disease and it appears to have been successful.

Patient Review

9/6/2011

Mesalamine for Crohn's Disease

Mesalamine oral and enema treatments unfortunately made my UC worse. Prednisone was the only thing that provided temporary relief from symptoms.

4.7

Patient Review

3/14/2012

Mesalamine for Ulcerative Colitis currently Without Symptoms

I've tried this medication both orally and as a suppository, but I'm still having issues with bleeding and diarrhea a few times per week.

4.7

Patient Review

1/9/2009

Mesalamine for Ulcerated Colon

The drug works, but it's not as fast-acting as I would like.

4.3

Patient Review

6/2/2009

Mesalamine for Crohn's Disease

I really appreciate how Lialda has helped me. I take it once a day in the morning, and then Imuran at night. It's been great to be able to stick with just two medications instead of several smaller doses throughout the day.

4.3

Patient Review

3/22/2019

Mesalamine for Ulcerative Colitis currently Without Symptoms

I had a great experience with this medication. I didn't have any side effects and it put my disease into remission.

4.3

Patient Review

3/1/2009

Mesalamine for Crohn's Disease

I've been using this medication for over two years now with only a single flare-up of symptoms.

Patient Review

6/8/2020

Mesalamine for Ulcerative Colitis currently Without Symptoms

After being diagnosed with UC, I've been pretty careful about sticking to the dosage of my medication. I had one mild flare 8 months after starting the meds, but since then (5 months) everything has been normal.

Patient Review

5/6/2017

Mesalamine for Ulcerative Colitis currently Without Symptoms

This medication has been a lifesaver for me. I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis/proctitis about a month ago and started taking this medication. Within the first week, I started seeing results. My stools are now normal and I don't have any more bloody or mucus diarrhea.

Patient Review

9/24/2011

Mesalamine for Crohn's Disease

I've been using this treatment for 15 years and it's kept my condition well under control.

Patient Review

5/20/2015

Mesalamine for Ulcerative Colitis currently Without Symptoms

Unfortunately, this made my symptoms worse. I had severe cramping and diarrhea.

2.7

Patient Review

1/1/2016

Mesalamine for Crohn's Disease

I've been living with UC for 15 years and cannabis has really helped to manage my symptoms. I would urge anyone else in a similar situation to give it a try.

2.7

Patient Review

1/13/2008

Mesalamine for Ulcerative Colitis currently Without Symptoms

2.3

Patient Review

5/22/2010

Mesalamine for Ulcerated Colon

This medication has been successful in putting my Crohn's disease into remission.

Patient Review

7/11/2014

Mesalamine for Ulcerative Colitis currently Without Symptoms

My colon healed up almost completely after using this medication for three years. I had one short flare-up, but it was easily resolved by increasing the dose and then tapering back down again. I did have some side effects when I first started taking it, like headaches, bloating, and dizziness. But after a few months of use, I didn't experience any of those anymore.

1.7

Patient Review

10/17/2017

Mesalamine for Crohn's Disease

I regret switching from Lialda to the generic brand. The hair loss I've experienced is not worth the savings.

image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about mesalamine

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What is mesalamine prescribed for?

"Mesalamine is a medication used to treat and prevent episodes of ulcerative colitis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the bowels. Mesalamine works by reducing inflammation and other symptoms associated with the disease. This medication is only available with a prescription from a doctor."

Answered by AI

When should you take mesalamine?

"Take the Asacol® HD tablet on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. The Lialda® tablets should be taken with food. All other brands of capsules and tablets can be taken with or without food."

Answered by AI

What are the long term effects of taking mesalamine?

"These side effects include worsening colitis; renal toxicity such as interstitial nephritis and nephrotic syndrome; pulmonary toxicity such as interstitial lung disease and fibrosis, bronchiolitis obliterans, pulmonary granulomatosis, and eosinophilic pleural effusion; pericarditis, pancreatitis, hair loss, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome."

Answered by AI

How long can you stay on mesalamine?

"The long-term safety and tolerability of mesalamine granules (MG) therapy was evaluated in the maintenance of UC remission in this study. Studies evaluating different oral mesalamine formulations that came before this one did not exceed a duration of 14 months."

Answered by AI