Does Asacol Hd Come In Strengths Of 400 Mg 500 Mg Or 1200 Mg
No, Asacol HD only comes as 800-milligram tablets. However, your doctor may switch you to Asacol HD from other brand-name drugs that also contain mesalamine. And these drugs may contain different strengths of mesalamine, such as 250 mg, 375 mg, 400 mg, 500 mg, or 1,200 mg.
These drugs, which are taken by mouth like Asacol HD, include:
- Pentasa
- Lialda
Keep in mind, Asacol HD tablets are not interchangeable with these drugs. If your doctor switches you to Asacol HD from one of these medications, theyll recommend that you stop taking the medication before you start Asacol HD. You should not mix and match these medications.
Dosage Fortreatment Of Mildly To Moderately Activeulcerative Colitis
Adults
For adults, the recommended dosage of Asacol is 800 mg three times daily for a duration of 6 weeks.
Pediatrics
For pediatric patients 5 years of age and older, the recommended total daily dosage of Asacol is weight-based divided into two daily doses for a duration of 6 weeks .
| Weight Group |
Is Your Ulcerative Colitis Treatment Effective
First, you should know what effective treatment looks like. Your treatment is successful if you are able to form stools without bleeding, cramping, or urgency, says Sunanda V. Kane, MD, a gastroenterologist and a professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and a member of the Crohns and Colitis Foundations education committee.
There are two components of effective treatment controlling symptoms and then maintaining that control and both are important parts of truly successful treatment. The goals of therapy include to induce clinical remission and to prevent damage from untreated disease over time, says Jessica Philpott, MD, PhD, a gastroenterologist at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. Basically, the goal is to minimize the impact of the disease on you in a way that works best for you and to help you live the life you want to live.
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What Is The Best Diet For Ulcerative Colitis
Theres no single diet that works best for ulcerative colitis. If the disease damages the lining of the colon, your body might not absorb enough nutrients from food. Your healthcare provider may recommend supplemental nutrition or vitamins. Its best to work with your provider and nutritionist to come up with a personalized diet plan.
Why Is Asacol Prescribed
Asacol is used as a maintenance drug, which means that it is helpful in retaining a remission but not in suppressing a flare-up .
It is typically, but not always, used for ulcerative colitis and ulcerative proctitis. The reason why Asacol helps to treat intestinal inflammation is still poorly understood, but it appears that has a topical effect, which means that the medicine must reach the colon to do its job.
According to 2020 guidelines, however, Asacol should be not be used for maintenance by patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis who have achieved remission on a biologic and/or immunomodulator medication.
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How To Use Suppositories
Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you how many suppositories to use each day. Some types you use once a day before you go to bed, and others you use several times a day with the last dose before you go to bed. Use them after you do a poo.
Try not to do a poo for at least an hour after using a suppository. This gives the medicine time to work.
Youre Skipping Your Uc Medications
The most important thing to do if you have UC? Take your medications as prescribed and work closely with your doctor to stay well, says Richard Bloomfeld, MD, a gastroenterologist and professor at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
A variety of medications can treat UC, depending on the severity of your condition and your overall health. It may be tempting to skip doses once you start feeling better: A Canadian review published in January 2013 in the journal Gastroenterology found that out of 1,681 people with UC, the majority did not adhere to their treatment after one year.
Skipping medications is the biggest reason people experience flares, says Laura Yun, MD, a gastroenterologist and assistant professor of medicine at Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago. Whether your doctor has you taking an anti-inflammatory drug, an immunosuppressant, or a combination of medications, none of them will work if you dont take them as your doctor prescribes.
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What Form Does This Medication Come In
Asacol
400 mg Each brown-red, capsule-shaped, enteric-coated tablet, printed in black ink with”0752 DR”, contains 400 mg of 5-ASA . Each colon-targeted tablet is coated with a special acrylic-based resin, Eudragit S , which delays release of the 5-ASA until the tablet reaches the terminal ileum. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, dibutyl phthalate, Eudragit S , iron oxide red, iron oxide yellow, lactose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, sodium starch glycolate, and talc edible black ink: ammonium hydroxide, n-butyl alcohol, propylene glycol, shellac glaze in SD-45, and synthetic black iron oxide.
Rct Adverse Drug Reactions
Mesalamine is generally very safe and well tolerated by patients. Reported adverse events include nausea or vomiting, headache, abdominal pain and rash . A paradoxical exacerbation of diarrhea has also been described, which usually occurs early after initiation of therapy . In RCTs, 1373% of patients taking mesalamine compounds experienced some sort of side effect, while placebo-related events occurred in 2261% of patients . One study examined the optimal dose of mesalamine in UC, as well as its efficacy and safety in the clinical trial setting . Of 321 patients taking varying dosages of mesalamine, 12 patients experienced side effects, with seven requiring hospitalization for worsening UC. There was one case each of elevated liver enzymes, pancreatitis, deafness, hemolytic anemia and pneumonia. No deaths were reported. Overall, tolerability was rated as very good or good by 82% , 88% and 75% of patients. Among these three groups, there was no difference in the number and severity of adverse events. Other side effects reported with mesalamine are listed in .
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What Causes Ulcerative Colitis
Researchers think the cause of ulcerative colitis is complex and involves many factors. They think its probably the result of an overactive immune response. The immune systems job is to protect the body from germs and other dangerous substances. But, sometimes your immune system mistakenly attacks your body, which causes inflammation and tissue damage.
Resource Use And Cost Data
Resource use and costs were determined from published results of a large cross sectional study of patients with UC in Germany . Within this study, 519 patients with UC from 24 ambulatory gastroenterological specialists’ practices and two hospitals were enrolled. For these patients, outpatient and inpatient visits, outpatient procedures as well as prescribed medications were recorded. The resource use was evaluated from the perspective of the Statutory Health Insurance in Germany, taking also into consideration patient co-payments as well as discounts given by the manufacturer and pharmacies as required by legal obligations in Germany. For this, the current German guideline for the identification and valuation of resource usage was applied to evaluate the costs from the perspective of the SHI. The price year which was used in the UC-study was 2007. For this present cost effectiveness analysis, the resource use collected in the cross sectional study was re-fitted to 2009 from the perspective of the German SHI on the basis of the current reimbursement practice. In the following, costs are described in detail:
Medication costs
Outpatient costs
Inpatient costs
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How Is Ulcerative Colitis Treated
Theres no cure for ulcerative colitis, but treatments can calm the inflammation, help you feel better and get you back to your daily activities. Treatment also depends on the severity and the individual, so treatment depends on each persons needs. Usually, healthcare providers manage the disease with medications. If your tests reveal infections that are causing problems, your healthcare provider will treat those underlying conditions and see if that helps.
The goal of medication is to induce and maintain remission, and to improve the quality of life for people with ulcerative colitis. Healthcare providers use several types of medications to calm inflammation in your large intestine. Reducing the swelling and irritation lets the tissue heal. It can also relieve your symptoms so you have less pain and less diarrhea. For children, teenagers and adults, your provider may recommend:
Children and young teenagers are prescribed the same medications. In addition to medications, some doctors also recommend that children take vitamins to get the nutrients they need for health and growth that they may not have gotten through food due to the effects of the disease on the bowel. Ask your healthcare provider for specific advice about the need for vitamin supplementation for your child.
You might need surgery that removes your colon and rectum to:
- Avoid medication side effects.
- Prevent or treat colon cancer .
- Eliminate life-threatening complications such as bleeding.
Mesalamine As Chemoprophylaxis Against Crc
The cumulative lifetime risk of developing CRC in patients with UC has been reported to be as high as 1020% in historical cohorts, with risk factors including extent, age of onset, duration of disease, severity of inflammation over time, presence of primary sclerosing cholangitis and family history of CRC . More contemporary data suggest that the overall population-based risk of CRC in patients with UC is much lower, with a prevalence as low as 1.3% over 15 years in patients with IBD . Since the risk of CRC has been associated with chronic inflammation in this setting, an anti-inflammatory agent such as mesalamine would be expected to have chemoprophylaxis properties . In vitro studies of mesalamine have reported reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis of CRC cells, and activation of cell cycle checkpoints and DNA-repair processes via the -catenin and the TGF-1 signaling pathways .
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Options For Adjusting Treatment
If your doctor feels its appropriate to adjust your treatment plan, she may increase the dose of your medication, change the interval between treatments, or try a different drug.
Your doctor may also suggest a short course of steroids to control your flares. But there has to be an exit strategy , Kane says. That strategy could be getting you back on the medicine you were taking previously or starting a new one. Steroids aren’t a long-term solution.
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If none of the drugs control your inflammation and keep you in remission, surgery to remove your colon may be the next step.
The important thing to understand is that nowadays we have many medical and surgical options, so do not give up hope if your UC is difficult to control. And contact your healthcare team to discuss treatment options, Philpott says.
Which Drugs Or Supplements Interact With Mesalamine
Oral mesalamine formulations are associated with several drug interactions. Combining mesalamine with drugs that affect kidney function, for example, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs or ibuprofen may increase the likelihood of reduced function of the kidneys. Concurrent use of mesalamine and 6-mercaptopurine or azathioprine may increase the likelihood of disorders of the blood cells, particularly reduced numbers of cells. Mesalamine may increase the blood thinning effect of warfarin .
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How Is Asacol Taken
Asacol is available in oral form, as a suppository, and as liquid or foam enemas.
In order for Asacol to be effective, the pills must be swallowed whole and not crushed or chewed. The outer coating or shell of the pill may pass through the body whole.
Some people with IBD have reported seeing this outer coating in the toilet. It doesn’t mean that the medication is not working or that it’s not being absorbed. In some cases, passing the coating could be normal, but it should be mentioned to the healthcare provider that prescribed the Asacol.
What Should I Ask My Doctor
If you have ulcerative colitis, you may want to ask your healthcare provider:
- How much of my large intestine is affected?
- What risks or side effects can I expect from the medication?
- Should I change my diet?
- Will ulcerative colitis affect my ability to get pregnant?
- What can I do at home to manage my symptoms?
- What are my surgical options?
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Youre Not Avoiding Trigger Foods
Theres no food or food group that causes or cures ulcerative colitis, Yun explains. But many people with UC say that certain foods either bring on symptoms or make them worse.
During a flare-up, your doctor may recommend adjustments to your diet. This can mean avoiding foods that trigger symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, or cramping. For example, dairy products can be particularly irritating for people who have both UC and lactose intolerance.
Aside from dairy, common trigger foods include beans, whole grains, nuts, seeds, some raw fruits and vegetables, high-fat foods, sugary foods, and sugar alcohols. If youre trying an elimination diet to determine which of these foods you need to avoid, keep a food diary, and always work with a healthcare practitioner to ensure youre getting all the nutrients you need.
What Are The Side Effects Of Mesalamine
The most common side effects of mesalamine are:
Kidney dysfunction has been associated with mesalamine. Kidney function should be evaluated prior to and periodically during mesalamine therapy.
Mesalamine may cause an acute intolerance syndrome that resembles a flare of inflammatory bowel disease with cramping, abdominal pain, and bloody diarrhea. Fever, headache, itching, and rash also may occur. Symptoms usually subside once mesalamine is discontinued.
Mesalamine enemas contain sulfites and should be avoided in persons who are sensitive to sulfites.
Since mesalamine is related to aspirin in structure, individuals who are allergic to aspirin should not take mesalamine.
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Asacol Hd And Alcohol
Asacol HD isnt known to interact with alcohol. However, drinking alcohol with this medication could worsen certain side effects, such as headache, nausea, and diarrhea.
Keep in mind, Asacol HD is used to treat ulcerative colitis . For some people, drinking alcohol can worsen UC symptoms such as diarrhea, cramping, or bloating.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much is safe for you to drink while taking Asacol HD.
Asacol Hd And Breastfeeding
Its not known if Asacol HD is safe to take while breastfeeding.
Asacol HD contains the active drug mesalamine. While youre taking Asacol HD, small amounts of mesalamine may pass into breast milk. Theres a small risk that this could cause diarrhea in a child whos breastfed.
However, guidance from the American Gastroenterological Association suggests its usually safe to breastfeed while taking mesalamine.
If youre breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about the best way to feed your child while you take Asacol HD. If you breastfeed while taking Asacol HD, be sure to tell your doctor right away if your child has diarrhea.
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Will I Need To Use This Drug Long Term
No, Asacol HD isnt meant to be used long term. Instead, its only used for a 6-week treatment course to reduce UC symptoms. Taking Asacol HD for longer than 6 weeks hasnt been studied.
However, after you stop Asacol HD, your doctor may prescribe another form of mesalamine . Other forms of mesalamine may be taken long term to manage your condition. Ask your doctor if youll need to take another form of the drug after you stop Asacol HD.
What Asacol Hd Does
Asacol HD contains the active drug mesalamine. This is also known as 5-aminosalicylic acid. Asacol HD belongs to the drug class called aminosalicylates.
Aminosalicylate drugs work by reducing inflammation in the lining of your colon and rectum.
In people with UC, cells in these linings make certain substances that cause inflammation. Aminosalicylate drugs stop the cells from producing these substances. But its not fully understood how the drugs work.
Asacol HD works directly in your colon and rectum. The tablet has a special coating that allows it to pass through your stomach and small intestine without being digested. The active drug is released when the tablet reaches your colon. Here, it acts locally on the cells that cause inflammation in the lining of your colon and rectum.
Both of these effects help reduce symptoms of UC.
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How Should I Take Asacol Hd
Take Asacol HD exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.
This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Asacol HD.
Take Asacol HD on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
Drink plenty of liquids to help prevent kidney stones.
Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it. Tell your doctor if you have trouble swallowing the tablet.
Tell your doctor if you find undissolved tablets in your stool.
This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using this medicine.
You may need frequent blood tests to check your blood cells or kidney function.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.