Mesalamine: A Comprehensive Medication Profile

Summary or Key Points

Mesalamine is a medication primarily used to treat and maintain remission in inflammatory bowel diseases, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. It works by reducing inflammation in the intestines. Always consult your healthcare provider or our telemedicine team before starting or changing the dose of Mesalamine.

Names of Medication

Brand Name: Asacol, Pentasa, Lialda, Apriso, Delzicol
Generic Name: Mesalamine

A ‘generic name’ refers to the official medical name for the active ingredient in the medicine. In this case, ‘Mesalamine’ is the generic name and is written in parenthesis.

Pharmacologic Category

Mesalamine belongs to the pharmacologic category of Aminosalicylates. Other medications in this category include Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), Balsalazide (Colazal), and Olsalazine (Dipentum).

Dosing

Mesalamine is indicated to treat the following diseases in adults:

• Ulcerative Colitis: 800mg to 4.8g per day in divided doses, depending on the disease severity and the specific product used. Treatment duration is as directed by the healthcare provider.
• Crohn’s Disease: 1g to 4g per day in divided doses. Treatment duration depends on the individual’s response to the medication.

Always consult your healthcare provider or our telemedicine team before adjusting your Mesalamine dose.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Mesalamine comes in several forms and strengths, including:

• Asacol HD (delayed-release tablets): 800mg
• Pentasa (controlled-release capsules): 250mg, 500mg
• Lialda (delayed-release tablets): 1.2g
• Apriso (extended-release capsules): 0.375g
• Delzicol (delayed-release capsules): 400mg

Administration Instructions

Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider or our telemedicine team for taking Mesalamine. The medication can be taken with or without food. Swallow the tablets or capsules whole; do not crush or chew them. Ensure that you take the medication regularly to get the most benefit.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

Side effects of Mesalamine may include:

• Headache: This is a common side effect, affecting up to 14% of patients.
• Nausea: This occurs in up to 12% of patients.
• Abdominal pain: This may occur in up to 18% of patients.
• Rash: A skin rash occurs in less than 3% of patients.

Contraindications

A contraindication is a condition or factor that serves as a reason not to take a particular medicine because it could be harmful. Mesalamine is contraindicated in:

• Patients with known hypersensitivity to salicylates or aminosalicylates or to any of the components of Mesalamine products.
• Patients with severe renal impairment or renal failure.
• Patients with gastric ulcer, due to potential irritation to the stomach lining.

Drug to Drug Interactions

Mesalamine may interact with:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or Naproxen (Aleve).
• Anticoagulants like Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as Omeprazole (Prilosec) or Lansoprazole (Prevacid).

Mesalamine in Pregnancy

Mesalamine should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus, as there are no well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Always consult your healthcare provider or our telemedicine team for personalized advice.

Mesalamine while Breastfeeding

Small amounts of Mesalamine can pass into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider or our telemedicine team before using this medication.

Estimated Cost of Medication

The estimated cost of a 30-day supply of Mesalamine without insurance, using a GoodRx coupon, is approximately $300 – $600 depending on the specific brand and dose.

Possible Alternatives

For Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease, possible alternative treatments might include corticosteroids, immune system suppressors, and biologic therapies. Lifestyle changes like a healthy diet and regular exercise may also help manage symptoms. Always discuss these alternatives with your healthcare provider or our telemedicine team before making any changes to your treatment plan.

Recent Updates on Mesalamine Research

Recent research is investigating the long-term safety and efficacy of Mesalamine in the maintenance of remission in patients with ulcerative colitis. Early results are promising, suggesting that Mesalamine may be a safe and effective long-term treatment option. However, more research is needed to confirm these results.

Remember, you can always consult one of our providers through our telemedicine service if you have questions about Mesalamine or if you’re considering starting or adjusting your medication.

Brief Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.