What is the drug Asacol used for?

This medication is used to treat a certain bowel disease (ulcerative colitis). It helps to reduce symptoms of ulcerative colitis such as diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and stomach pain. Mesalamine belongs to a class of drugs known as aminosalicylates.

What are the side effects of taking Asacol?

Common side effects of Asacol include:

  • mild nausea,
  • vomiting,
  • stomach cramps,
  • diarrhea,
  • gas,
  • fever,
  • sore throat,
  • flu-like symptoms,

What is replacing Asacol?

Octasa® contains modified-release mesalazine and is a clinically equivalent branded generic version of Asacol®.

Has Asacol been discontinued?

Earlier this month, Asacol (mesalamine) 400 mg was discontinued by the manufacturer. If you take Asacol, don’t worry about another flare up—here’s what you need to know! Asacol is used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

How long should you take Asacol?

Asacol®:

  1. Adults—800 milligrams (mg) (two 400 mg tablets) 3 times a day for 6 weeks.
  2. Children 5 years of age and older—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor:
  3. Children younger than 5 years of age or weighing less than 17 kg—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Can Asacol make colitis worse?

Some of these may resolve on their own, but call your healthcare provider about any fever, severe headaches, or severe abdominal pain. If your ulcerative colitis seems to get worse, it could be because of acute intolerance syndrome—a condition that affects about 3% of people who take Asacol.

Why is Asacol out of stock?

Asacol® 800mg MR gastro-resistant tablets are out of stock from early October 2021 with a resupply date to be confirmed. Asacol® 400mg MR gastro-resistant tablets remain available but cannot support full demand for the Asacol® 800mg strength tablets.

Why is Asacol unavailable?

Asacol® 400mg and 800mg MR gastro-resistant tablets are out of stock until mid-March 2022. Octasa® MR 400mg and 800mg tablets remain available and can support a full uplift in demand during this period.

How long can you take Asacol?

No, Asacol HD isn’t meant to be used long term. Instead, it’s only used for a 6-week treatment course to reduce UC symptoms. Taking Asacol HD for longer than 6 weeks hasn’t been studied. However, after you stop Asacol HD, your doctor may prescribe another form of mesalamine (the active drug in Asacol HD).