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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking mesalamine oral (Apriso, Asacol, Asacol HD, Lialda, Pentasa)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to mesalamine or to aspirin or other salicylates (such as Disalcid, Doan's Pills, Dolobid, Salflex, Tricosal, and others).

To make sure you can safely take mesalamine, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• a stomach condition called pyloric stenosis;
• a history of allergy to sulfasalazine (Azulfidine);
• a heart condition such as congestive heart failure;
• kidney disease; or
• liver disease.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether mesalamine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

Mesalamine 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 mesalamine oral (Apriso, Asacol, Asacol HD, Lialda, Pentasa)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take mesalamine with a full glass of water.

Mesalamine can usually be taken with or without food. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Mesalamine extended-release capsules (Lialda) should be taken with a meal.

Do not crush, break, or chew a mesalamine tablet or capsule. Swallow the pill whole.

The extended-release capsule is specially formulated to release the medicine after it has passed through your stomach into your intestines. Breaking the pill may cause the drug to be released too early in the digestive tract.

The enteric-coated tablet has a special coating to protect your stomach. Breaking the pill could damage this coating.

Call your doctor if you find undissolved tablets in your stool.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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