Active ingredient
- mesalazine
Legal Category
POM: Prescription only medicine
POM: Prescription only medicine
The Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) is the leaflet included in the pack with a medicine. It is written for patients and gives information about taking or using a medicine. It is possible that the leaflet in your medicine pack may differ from this version because it may have been updated since your medicine was packaged.
Below is a text only representation of the Patient Information Leaflet. The original leaflet can be viewed using the link above.
The text only version may be available in large print, Braille or audio CD. For further information call emc accessibility on 0800 198 5000. The product code(s) for this leaflet are: PL45496/0003, PL45496/0004.
Asacol Suppositories 250mg & 500mg
PACKAGE LEAFLET: INFORMATION FOR THE USER
Asacol 250mg and 500mg suppositories
(mesalazine)
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine.
In this leaflet:
1. What Asacol Suppositories are and what they are used for
2. Before you use Asacol Suppositories
3. How to use Asacol Suppositories
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Asacol Suppositories
6. Further information
1. WHAT ASACOL SUPPOSITORIES ARE AND WHAT THEY ARE USED FOR
Asacol Suppositories contain the active substance mesalazine (also known as 5-aminosalicylic acid) which is an anti-inflammatory drug used in the treatment of Ulcerative colitis – a disease of the large bowel (colon) and back passage (rectum) in which the lining of the bowel becomes inflamed (red and swollen). Symptoms can include rectal bleeding, frequent diarrhoea and abdominal pain. The suppositories act locally in the rectum to reduce inflammation and can also prevent further episodes (flares) of ulcerative colitis. They are particularly useful when symptoms of ulcerative colitis affect the rectum.
2. BEFORE YOU USE ASACOL SUPPOSITORIES
Do not use Asacol suppositories if you:
DO NOT give the suppositories to children under 2 years of age.
Take special care with Asacol Suppositories
Taking other medicines
Please tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including those obtained without a prescription.
Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, aspirin, Cox-II inhibitors) and azathioprine in particular may increase the risk of kidney reactions.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should not use Asacol Suppositories unless advised otherwise by their doctor. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.
Driving and using machines
Asacol Suppositories are not expected to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
3. HOW TO USE ASACOL SUPPOSITORIES
Asacol Suppositories are available in two strengths and contain either 250mg or 500mg of mesalazine. Your doctor will have prescribed one strength of suppositories for you.
Dose for adults and the elderly: Please read the pharmacist’s label carefully as your doctor will have instructed you to use either
DO NOT use more than six 250mg suppositories a day or more than three 500mg suppositories a day.
A suppository should be inserted into the back passage (rectum) as described below:
1. Empty your bowels, if necessary, and wash your hands.
2. Remove the plastic wrapping from the suppository.
3. Squat or bend forward.
4. Gently, but firmly, place the suppository (pointed end first) into your back passage. If necessary, grease the tip of the suppository with petroleum jelly.
5. Wash your hands again
6. Try not to empty your bowels for at least an hour after inserting the suppository.
Asacol Suppositories are not recommended for use in children.
DO NOT swallow this medicine. If you have accidentally swallowed a suppository, drink plenty of water and tell your doctor immediately or visit your nearest Accident & Emergency Department (take the suppository pack with you if possible).
Keep using the suppositories until your prescribed course is finished. Your symptoms may come back if you stop treatment too early.
If you use more Asacol Suppositories than you should
Do not exceed the recommended dose. You should only use as many suppositories as your doctor has instructed on the pharmacist’s label. If you use too much medicine, tell your doctor immediately or go to your nearest Accident & Emergency Department (take the suppository pack with you if possible).
If you forget to use Asacol Suppositories
If you forget to insert a suppository at the required time, use them as soon as you remember and continue using your suppositories as before. DO NOT use more than two suppositories in one hour.
If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
Like all medicines, Asacol Suppositories can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Allergic reactions to the suppositories can occur. Tell your doctor if you get a rash (with or without itching), any shortness of breath, palpitations (rapid heart beat) or chest pain. These effects will usually disappear when you stop using the medicine.
Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Common side effects:
Rare side effects:
Very rare side effects:
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard
By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
5. HOW TO STORE ASACOL SUPPOSITORIES
Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
Store Asacol Suppositories in their original pack below 25ºC (77ºF) and protect from light.
Do not use the medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the pack after ‘Exp’. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.
6. FURTHER INFORMATION
What Asacol Suppositories contain
The active substance is mesalazine (also known as 5-aminosalicylic acid). Each suppository contains 250mg or 500mg mesalazine.
The other ingredient is Witepsol W45 (hard fat).
What Asacol Suppositories look like and contents of the pack
The suppositories are opaque beige coloured, cone-shaped and meltable, available in packs of 20 x 250mg and 10 x 500mg strengths.
Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer
Getting more advice about ulcerative colitis
In addition to advice and information available from your doctor and pharmacist, you may wish to contact the National Association for Colitis and Crohn‘s Disease which offers information, advice and local support groups:
Large print, braille, audio format leaflet
To obtain this leaflet in large print, braille or audio format, please call the following free-phone number: 0800 198 5000
Asacol® is a Trademark
Marketing Authorisation Number (250mg suppositories) – PL 45496/0003
Marketing Authorisation Number (500mg suppositories) – PL 45496/0004
This leaflet was last revised in March 2017.
Version 2
Marlow International, The Parkway, Marlow, Bucks, SL7 1YL, UK
+44 (0)1628 494444
+44 (0)1628 494026
+44 (0)1628 494026