Apriso

Generic Name: mesalamine (oral) (me SAL a meen)
Brand Name: Apriso, Asacol, Delzicol, Lialda, Pentasa

What is Apriso?

Apriso (mesalamine) affects a substance in the body that causes inflammation, tissue damage, and diarrhea.

Apriso is used to treat ulcerative colitis, proctitis, and proctosigmoiditis. It is also used to prevent the symptoms of ulcerative colitis from recurring.

Apriso may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Apriso

Stop using Apriso and call your doctor at once if you have severe stomach pain, cramping, fever, headache, and bloody diarrhea.

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Before taking Apriso

You should not use Apriso if you are allergic to mesalamine or to aspirin or other salicylates (such as Nuprin Backache Caplet, Kaopectate, KneeRelief, Pamprin Cramp Formula, Pepto-Bismol, Tricosal, Trilisate, and others).

To make sure Apriso is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• a stomach condition called pyloric stenosis;

• a history of allergy to sulfasalazine (Azulfidine);

• heart disease;

• kidney disease; or

• liver disease.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Apriso will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

See also: Apriso pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

Mesalamine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Apriso?

Take Apriso exactly as it was prescribed for you, Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take Apriso with a full glass of water.

Apriso can be taken with or without food. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Do not crush, break, or chew an Apriso capsule. Swallow the capsule whole.

The extended-release capsule is specially formulated to release the medicine after it has passed through your stomach into your intestines. Breaking the pill may cause the drug to be released too early in the digestive tract.

Store Apriso at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

See also: Apriso dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking Apriso?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Apriso side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Apriso: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using Apriso and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain, cramping, bloody diarrhea;

• fever, headache, skin rash;

• chest pain, shortness of breath;

• nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• little or no urinating;

• swelling, rapid weight gain; or

• bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Common Apriso side effects may include:

• mild stomach discomfort, gas;

• flu symptoms, runny nose;

• diarrhea, constipation;

• headache, dizziness;

• weakness; or

• joint pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Apriso side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Apriso?

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Apriso, especially:

• amphotericin B;

• azathioprine or mercaptopurine;

• pentamidine;

• tacrolimus;

• an antibiotic--capreomycin, rifampin, vancomycin;

• antiviral medicines--acyclovir, adefovir, cidofovir, foscarnet;

• cancer medicine--aldesleukin, carmustine, cisplatin, ifosfamide, oxaliplatin, streptozocin, tretinoin; or

• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with Apriso. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about Apriso.