This medicine is a 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) used for maintaining remission of ulcerative colitis (inflammation of the colon). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Follow the directions for taking this medicine provided by your doctor. TAKE THIS MEDICINE with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food or milk to reduce stomach irritation. SWALLOW THIS MEDICINE WHOLE. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. DO NOT TAKE AN ANTACID within 1 hour before or 2 hours after you take this medicine. STORE THIS MEDICINE at 68 to 77 degrees F (20 to 25 degrees C) away from heat, moisture, and light. Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and away from pets. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. DO NOT take 2 doses at once.
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF you are taking probenecid or sulfinpyrazone. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking salicylates (eg, aspirin); carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (eg, acetazolamide); gingko biloba extract; corticosteroids (eg, prednisone); meglitinide antidiabetics (eg, repaglinide); insulin; sulfonylureas (eg, glipizide); valproic acid; angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (eg, enalapril); anticoagulants (eg, warfarin); spironolactone; or beta-blockers (eg, propranolol). DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including a history of kidney or liver problems; certain stomach problems (pyloric stenosis); pancreas problems (eg, pancreatitis); Kawasaki syndrome; a rheumatic (inflammatory) disease (eg, rheumatoid arthritis); allergies to medicines (eg, sulfasalazine, aspirin), foods, or other substances; pregnancy; or breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you have had a stroke; bleeding in the brain; or an aneurysm. Tell your doctor if you have a history of heart problems (eg, inflammation of the sac around your heart), if you have the flu or chickenpox, or if you have recently received a live vaccine (eg, varicella, influenza). USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you are younger than 18 years of age and you have the flu or chickenpox or you have received a live vaccine (eg, varicella, influenza) within the past 6 weeks. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include diarrhea; headache; mild abdominal discomfort or pain; nausea; or runny or stuffy nose. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience blood in the urine; bloody diarrhea; bloody or coffee ground-like vomit; change in amount of urine; chest pain; dark urine; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; severe or persistent headache; severe or sudden stomach pain or cramping; sudden shortness of breath; unusual bruising or bleeding,; or yellowing of the skin or eyes. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
IF OVERDOSE IS SUSPECTED, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include confusion; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; fast or difficult breathing; fever; headache; hearing loss; ringing in the ears; seizures; sweating; vomiting of blood; or weakness.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.