PACKAGE LEAFLET: INFORMATION FOR THE USER

Asacol 250mg and 500mg suppositories

(mesalazine)

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:

• are allergic (hypersensitive) to any of the ingredients in the product (see Section 6 on “What Asacol Suppositories contain”).
• are allergic to aspirin or any other salicylate
• had kidney problems or blood abnormalities while taking other medicines such as sulphasalazine
• have confirmed severe kidney impairment

DO NOT give the suppositories to children under 2 years of age.

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

• three to six 250mg suppositories a day with the last dose at bedtime, or
• one to three 500mg suppositories a day with the last dose at bedtime.

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 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:

• fever, sore throat, mouth or lip ulcers, spots underneath your skin anywhere on your body, including the genital and anal regions, become very pale, swollen ankles or have unusual bleeding (e.g. unexpected nosebleeds or bleeding gums)
• skin rash with flaking, boils or sore lips or mouth
• bruising more easily or suspect blood abnormalities
• problems with kidney function

Common side effects:

• diarrhoea
• abdominal pain
• nausea (feeling sick)
• headache.

Rare side effects:

• problems with heart, lung, liver or kidney function
• inflammation of the pancreas
• blood abnormalities
• numbness and tingling of the fingers and toes due to damaged nerve endings
• hair loss
• skin rash
• local irritation at the site of application.

Very rare side effects:

• worsening of symptoms of colitis
• Erythema multiforme and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (skin and mucous membrane disease).

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

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