Mesalamine (Rectal)

Mesalamine (me-SAL-a-meen)

Treats bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis, proctitis, and Crohn's disease.

Brand Name(s):

Canasa, Rowasa
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to mesalamine (also called Asacol®, Pentasa®) or similar medicines such as sulfasalazine (Azulfidine®) or olsalazine (Dipentum®). You should not use mesalamine if you are allergic to sulfites.

How to Use This Medicine:

Suppository, Enema

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. Never take rectal suppositories by mouth.
• Before inserting a suppository, go to the bathroom and empty your bladder and, if possible, have a bowel movement.
• Wash your hands with soap and water. Remove the foil or wrapper from the suppository before inserting it. Do not keep the suppository in your hand too long or it may begin to melt. To make the suppository easier to insert, you may use a lubricating gel such as K-Y® Jelly, but do not use petroleum jelly (Vaseline®).
• Lie on your left side with your left leg straight or slightly bent, and your right knee bent upward. Gently push the pointed end of the suppository into the rectum about 1 inch. Keep lying down for about 15 minutes to keep the suppository from coming out before it melts. Then, wash your hands again.
• The medicine needs to remain in your body for 1 to 3 hours or longer, depending on your doctor's advice. Try not to use the bathroom for at least that length of time after inserting the suppository.
• Use the enema at bedtime, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Wash your hands with soap and water. Shake the bottle and then remove the cap. Lie on your left side with your left leg straight or slightly bent, and your right knee bent upward. Insert the applicator tip into your rectum about an inch. Gently squeeze the bottom of the bottle to release the enema.
• Remove the bottle and throw it away. Lie still for 1 to 2 minutes, holding in the liquid. Wash your hands again, then go to bed. Try to hold the liquid in all night. This should get easier to do after several minutes in bed.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not refrigerate.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also taking mesalamine by mouth (Asacol®, Pentasa®) or a similar medicine called sulfasalazine (Azulfidine EN-Tabs®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, heart problems, asthma, or any food or drug allergies (especially aspirin).
• Stop using this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have bloody diarrhea and sudden or severe stomach cramps. You may also notice a fever, headache, or a skin rash along with these symptoms.
• This medicine will stain any surface it touches (clothing, bedsheets, floors, countertops, etc.). To protect your clothing, consider wearing a sanitary napkin or adult undergarment such as Depends®. Protect your sheets by placing a waterproof pad in your bed. These pads, often called Chux pads or underpads, are available from a medical supply store.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Bloody diarrhea, severe cramps
• Chest pain, fever, pain in the left shoulder or arm, trouble breathing
• Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, lightheadedness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dizziness
• Mild hair loss
• Mild stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, cramps, pain in your rectum

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.