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

This is mesalamine. You may also hear it called by the brand name 'Pentasa'. 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 need to swallow the capsules whole, and do not crush, chew or break them. Or, you can open the capsule and sprinkle the medicine onto a little applesauce or yogurt. If you do this, you must be sure to swallow it immediately.

Most people tolerate this medicine well. Side effects can include diarrhea, headache, nausea or stomach upset. 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.

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.