olsalazine (Dipentum)

Brand Names: Dipentum

Generic Name: olsalazine

• 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 (Dipentum)?

Olsalazine is used to treat ulcerative colitis.

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

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using olsalazine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe or ongoing diarrhea;
• worsening colitis (fever, stomach pain, cramping, or bloody diarrhea);
• chest pain, shortness of breath, fast or pounding heartbeats;
• liver problems--loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• symptoms of kidney stones--sudden and severe pain in your lower back or side, blood in your urine, pain or burning when you urinate.

Older adults may be more likely to have low white blood cell counts while taking olsalazine. Symptoms include fever, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, and trouble breathing.

Common side effects may include:

• diarrhea, stomach pain;
• upset stomach;
• rash, itching;
• headache; or
• joint pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

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

Your treatment with olsalazine may be delayed if you have received a chickenpox vaccine (varicella, Varivax) within the past 6 weeks.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• asthma or allergies;
• liver disease;
• kidney disease; or
• a skin disorder such as eczema.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while using olsalazine.

Olsalazine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Always take this medicine with food.

Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking olsalazine to keep your kidneys working properly.

If you need surgery, tell your surgeon you currently use this medicine. You may need to stop for a short time.

Call your doctor if your ulcerative colitis symptoms get worse, or if you also have a fever, headache, or rash.

Store olsalazine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

QUESTION

Ulcerative colitis affects the colon. The colon is also referred to as the... See Answer

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

If you have eczema or other skin problems, olsalazine could make you sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Olsalazine can harm your kidneys, especially if you also use certain medicines for infections, cancer, osteoporosis, organ transplant rejection, bowel disorders, or pain or arthritis (including aspirin, Tylenol, Advil, and Aleve).

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• azathioprine or mercaptopurine;
• thioguanine; or
• a blood thinner--heparin, warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect olsalazine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Your pharmacist can provide more information about olsalazine.

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