Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Dipentum

Generic Name: olsalazine (Pronunciation: ole SAL a zeen)

• What is olsalazine (Dipentum)?
• What are the possible side effects of olsalazine (Dipentum)?
• What is the most important information I should know about olsalazine (Dipentum)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking olsalazine (Dipentum)?
• How should I take olsalazine (Dipentum)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Dipentum)?
• What happens if I overdose (Dipentum)?
• What should I avoid while taking olsalazine (Dipentum)?
• What other drugs will affect olsalazine (Dipentum)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is olsalazine (Dipentum)?

Olsalazine affects substances in the body that cause inflammation, tissue damage, and diarrhea.

Olsalazine is used to treat ulcerative colitis.

Olsalazine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of olsalazine (Dipentum)?

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 olsalazine and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• worsening colitis (fever, stomach pain, cramping, or bloody diarrhea);
• chest pain, shortness of breath, fast or pounding heartbeats; or
• nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild stomach discomfort;
• nausea, heartburn;
• skin rash, itching;
• headache;
• muscle or joint pain; or
• urinating more often than usual.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about olsalazine (Dipentum)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to olsalazine or to salicylates such as aspirin, Novasal, Doan's Extra Strength, Salflex, Tricosal, and others.

Before taking olsalazine, tell your doctor if you have asthma or other allergies, kidney disease, or liver disease.

Call your doctor at once if your colitis symptoms get worse, or if you have chest pain, shortness of breath, fast or pounding heartbeats, nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).