Mesalamine Rectal Enema

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.

Use this medicine as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Keep taking mesalamine rectal enema as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
• To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
• You could be on both a tablet or capsule and a rectal product at the same time.
• Use enema rectally.
• Shake suspension well before use.
• Keep suspension in your rectum as long as you can.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.
• Signs of kidney problems like unable to pass urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine, or a big weight gain.
• Chest pain or pressure.
• Throwing up blood or throw up that looks like coffee grounds.
• A burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal.
• Feeling confused.
• A fast heartbeat.
• A heartbeat that does not feel normal.
• Fever or chills.
• Very bad headache.
• Very bad dizziness.
• Very bad back pain.
• Shortness of breath, a big weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs.
• Any unexplained bruising or bleeding.
• Feeling very tired or weak.
• Some people may have a reaction to this medicine that looks like the signs of ulcerative colitis. Call your doctor right away if you have very bad belly pain or cramps, bloody stools, fever, headache, or rash.