Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.

This is mesalamine. You may also hear it called by the brand name 'Asacol'. This medicine works in the colon. It relieves pain and inflammation. Mesalamine helps treat conditions like ulcerative colitis. It can also help prevent flare-ups. 

You should take mesalamine exactly as directed by your doctor. You can take your dose with food, or without food. You should know that the tablets have a special coating that helps the medicine work correctly. So, you should swallow the tablets whole. Be careful not to cut, chew or break them. 

Most people tolerate this medicine well. It is normal to sometimes see the empty shell of the tablet in your stool. But, tell your doctor if it happens often. Common side effects include stomach pain, a little dizziness, and common cold symptoms. Adults may have belching, constipation or back pain. Children may have a cough, headache or diarrhea. These side effects are normal if they are mild, and should go away. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking this medicine, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist. 

As with any medicine, rare side effects could occur. With mesalamine, these include allergic reactions, or problems with the kidneys or liver. To help keep this medicine safe for you, your doctor will follow you closely and may order blood tests.

You should store the tablets in their original container, and also keep the drying packet with the tablets to protect them from moisture.

For best results with mesalamine, let your doctor know right away if your symptoms get worse instead of better. Also follow your doctor's advice for diet and lifestyle changes that may help your condition.