What is the most important information I should know about Asacol?

• Tell your doctor if you have any type of kidney or liver disease, or if you are allergic to aspirin. You may not be able to use Asacol, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
• Do not crush, break, or chew a Asacol tablet or capsule. Swallow the pill whole. It is specially formulated to release the medicine after it has passed through your stomach into your intestines.
• Call your doctor if you find undissolved tablets in your stool.
• Stop using Asacol and call your doctor at once if you have severe stomach pain, cramping, fever, headache, and bloody diarrhea.

What is Asacol?

• Asacol affects a substance in the body that causes inflammation, tissue damage, and diarrhea.
• Asacol is used to treat ulcerative colitis, proctitis, and proctosigmoiditis. Asacol is also used to prevent the symptoms of ulcerative colitis from recurring.
• Asacol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Asacol?

• Tell your doctor if you have any type of kidney or liver disease, or if you are allergic to aspirin. You may not be able to use Asacol, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
• FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
• Asacol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Asacol?

• Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger or smaller amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• Asacol can be taken with or without food.
• Do not crush, break, or chew a Asacol tablet or capsule. Swallow the pill whole. It is specially formulated to release the medicine after it has passed through your stomach into your intestines.
• Call your doctor if you find undissolved tablets in your stool.
• Store Asacol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
• Symptoms of a Asacol overdose may include ringing in your ears, dizziness, headache, confusion, drowsiness, sweating, shortness of breath, vomiting, and diarrhea.

What should I avoid while taking Asacol?

• There are no restrictions on foods, beverages, or activities during therapy with Asacol unless your doctor directs otherwise.

What are the possible side effects of Asacol?

• Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Stop using Asacol and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
  • severe stomach pain, cramping, fever, headache, and bloody diarrhea.
• Continue using Asacol and talk with your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:
  • mild nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, gas;
  • fever, sore throat, or other flu symptoms;
  • constipation;
  • headache or dizziness;
  • tired feeling; or
  • skin rash.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Asacol?

• Asacol is not known to interact with other medicines. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.