Asacol is a drug whose active ingredient is mesalazine (5-ASA). It is used mainly in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. By reducing the inflammation in the bowel wall, it helps bring the symptoms of the disease under control.

Asacol is not a steroid (cortisone) or an antibiotic. It is not addictive.

What is it used for?

Ulcerative colitis: A chronic disease that causes inflammation of the inner lining of the large bowel. Asacol can be used to reduce the inflammation while the disease is active, and to prevent it flaring up again once it has been brought under control.

Crohn’s disease: Mesalazine was also used in Crohn’s disease in the past. However, current scientific guidelines do not recommend mesalazine taken by mouth for the routine treatment of Crohn’s disease.

How does it work?

Asacol reduces the inflammatory reaction in the inner lining of the bowel. This can help relieve complaints such as bloody stools, diarrhoea and a more frequent need to open the bowels.

The drug does not cure ulcerative colitis completely. It helps keep the disease under control.

How is it taken?

Asacol tablets should be taken at the dose and frequency your doctor recommends.

The tablets are usually swallowed whole; they should not be crushed or chewed.
How the drug is taken, and how it relates to meals, can vary with the form of the drug.
Even if your complaints improve, do not stop the drug without your doctor’s advice.
Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How long the treatment lasts depends on how severe the disease is, how much of the bowel is involved and how well it responds to treatment.

What are the side effects?

Asacol is generally well tolerated. Even so, some patients may have side effects.

More common side effects

Headache
Nausea
Abdominal pain
Indigestion
Diarrhoea

Rare but important side effects

In some patients mesalazine can affect kidney function. Rarely, inflammation of the pancreas, liver problems, a fall in blood cells, or inflammation of the heart muscle and the lining around the heart can occur.

If severe abdominal pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, fever, a widespread rash or a clear fall in the amount of urine develops, medical assessment is needed without delay.

What should I watch out for while taking it?

It is recommended that kidney function is checked before treatment starts and at regular intervals during treatment. Depending on the patient’s condition, a blood count and liver tests may also be requested.

People with kidney or liver disease, people allergic to aspirin or salicylates, and people who take other medicines regularly should tell their doctor.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the use of the drug should be assessed by the doctor, taking into account how important it is to keep the disease under control.

Frequently asked questions

Is Asacol a steroid (cortisone)?

No. Asacol does not contain cortisone. It belongs to a different group of drugs that reduce inflammation in the bowel.

Is Asacol addictive?

No. It is not addictive. However, because ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease, some patients may need to take the drug for a long time.

Can I stop the drug when my complaints go away?

You should not stop it without talking to your doctor. Even if the symptoms improve, treatment may need to continue to prevent the inflammation in the bowel from starting again.

Is Asacol enough for every patient with ulcerative colitis?

No. It can be effective in mild and moderate disease. In more severe disease, or when the response is not good enough, other treatments may be needed.

Important: This information has been prepared to inform patients. The dose of the drug, the length of treatment and the check-ups should be decided by a gastroenterologist according to the patient’s condition.