Asacol (mesalamine) helps relieve ulcerative colitis symptoms including number of bowel movements Tazalis and rectal bleeding as early as 3 weeks.* Asacol is the only sulfa-free 5-ASA medication indicated for both treatment of mild to moderate flare-ups of ulcerative colitis and maintenance of remission of ulcerative colitis.
In six-week clinical studies of flare-ups, Asacol helped many patients reduce their symptoms of ulcerative colitis, including number of bowel movements and rectal bleeding, for some as early as 3 weeks.*
Asacol is the #1 most dispensed oral 5-ASA medication. † In 2007 Asacol celebrated its 15th year as a therapy for UC.
Ulcerative colitis rarely goes into permanent remission.
*Individual results may vary.
† This information is an estimate derived from the use of information under license from IMS National Prescription Data for the 12 month period ending July 2008. IMS expressly reserves all rights, including rights of copying, distribution and republication. This statement does not imply superior efficacy or safety.
‡ SDI's Vector One®: Payer, for the 6 month period ending August 2008. Out-of-pocket cost is the portion of the prescription cost that the patient is required to pay. These data include patients who pay the entire cost of their prescription and those who receive coverage via private insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare. VA and mail order co-pays are not included. Lower out of pocket costs to patients do not necessarily reflect a cost savings to providers. Products that are subject of a price comparison are not known to have comparable efficacy and safety.
Asacol is proven to help improve ulcerative colitis symptoms of rectal bleeding and increased stool frequency and can help begin repairing the lining of your colon.* The Asacol patented delivery system gets medicine where it is needed most.
If you have questions about taking Asacol, please talk to your doctor and see the accompanying product information.
* As demonstrated by endoscopy in clinical studies.
In studies of flare-ups, some people taking Asacol reported headache, abdominal pain, general pain, rash, upset stomach and worsening of colitis symptoms. In a six-month maintenance study, some people reported headache, runny nose, general pain, sore throat, infection, and nervousness.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about side effects or Asacol. It's also important to visit your doctor periodically to monitor your condition and discuss your treatment plan.
Asacol (mesalamine) is Proven to Help Treat Flare-Ups
Asacol (mesalamine) has been proven to help treat mild to moderate flare-ups of ulcerative colitis.In six-week clinical studies of flare-ups, Asacol helped many patients reduce their symptoms of ulcerative colitis, including number of bowel movements and rectal bleeding, for some as early as 3 weeks.*
Asacol is the #1 most dispensed oral 5-ASA medication. † In 2007 Asacol celebrated its 15th year as a therapy for UC.
Asacol (mesalamine) is Proven to Help Maintain Remission
In a six-month study, patients taking Asacol (mesalamine) at a maintenance dose were more likely to remain in remission as compared to those taking a placebo (sugar pill).Ulcerative colitis rarely goes into permanent remission.
Lowest Average Out-of-Pocket Cost
Asacol offers the lowest average out-of-pocket cost versus other oral brand name mesalamine products.‡*Individual results may vary.
† This information is an estimate derived from the use of information under license from IMS National Prescription Data for the 12 month period ending July 2008. IMS expressly reserves all rights, including rights of copying, distribution and republication. This statement does not imply superior efficacy or safety.
‡ SDI's Vector One®: Payer, for the 6 month period ending August 2008. Out-of-pocket cost is the portion of the prescription cost that the patient is required to pay. These data include patients who pay the entire cost of their prescription and those who receive coverage via private insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare. VA and mail order co-pays are not included. Lower out of pocket costs to patients do not necessarily reflect a cost savings to providers. Products that are subject of a price comparison are not known to have comparable efficacy and safety.
Asacol is proven to help improve ulcerative colitis symptoms of rectal bleeding and increased stool frequency and can help begin repairing the lining of your colon.* The Asacol patented delivery system gets medicine where it is needed most.
- Once swallowed, a special outer coating allows the tablet to travel through the stomach until it reaches the end of the small intestine and the beginning of the colon.
- At the beginning of the colon, the tablet releases the active ingredient, mesalamine, to work throughout the colon.
- The active ingredient acts throughout the colon to help reduce inflammation of the inner lining of the colon and rectum.
Who Should Not Take Asacol
You should not take Asacol if you are allergic to Asacol or to salicylates such as aspirin. Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems or a history of kidney disease. It is recommended that all people have their kidney function tested prior to starting Asacol tablets and periodically while on Asacol therapy. Serious side effects may occur.If you have questions about taking Asacol, please talk to your doctor and see the accompanying product information.
* As demonstrated by endoscopy in clinical studies.
Important Precautions
There are some important precautions you should be aware of regarding Asacol therapy, including:- It is recommended that all people have their kidney function tested prior to starting Asacol and periodically while on Asacol therapy.
- If you have a history of kidney impairment or kidney disease, you should tell your doctor before starting Asacol.
- If you are pregnant, become pregnant or are a nursing mother, talk with your doctor before taking Asacol.
- Some people who have had a reaction to sulfasalazine may have a similar reaction to Asacol or other products that contain mesalamine. Such a reaction may include worsening of colitis symptoms (i.e., cramping, abdominal pain, and bloody diarrhea) and occasionally fever, headache, general discomfort, itching, rash, and conjunctivitis (an inflammation of part of the eye).
- There was a worsening of the symptoms of colitis as reported in 3% of Asacol-treated people in clinical trials.
- If you have pyloric stenosis (a narrowing of the outlet from the stomach), you should tell your doctor before using Asacol.
Asacol Adverse Effects
Asacol is generally well tolerated.In studies of flare-ups, some people taking Asacol reported headache, abdominal pain, general pain, rash, upset stomach and worsening of colitis symptoms. In a six-month maintenance study, some people reported headache, runny nose, general pain, sore throat, infection, and nervousness.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about side effects or Asacol. It's also important to visit your doctor periodically to monitor your condition and discuss your treatment plan.
