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Delzicol

Generic name: mesalamine
Dosage form: oral delayed-release capsule
Drug class: 5-aminosalicylates

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Apr 4, 2023.

What is Delzicol?

Delzicol (mesalamine) belongs to a class of drugs called aminosalicylates, which are used to treat gut inflammation. It helps to treat and prevent flare-ups of ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune disorder, which means that your own immune system attacks your gut, causing swelling and ulcers in your colon and rectum.

Delzicol reduces the inflammation caused by ulcerative colitis. It's thought its anti-inflammatory action comes from its ability to block the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX) and inhibit prostaglandin production in the colon. COX and prostaglandins (a group of lipids) are both involved in generating an inflammatory response.

Delzicol comes as a delay-release capsule that only dissolves at a PH of 7 or greater, which means that the drug is released directly into the terminal ileum and colon beyond, where it anti-inflammatory action is needed.

Delzicol was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2013. A generic version of Delzicol has subsequently been approved.

What is Delzicol used for?

Delzicol is a prescription medication used for the:

Who should not take Delzicol?

Do not take Delzicol if you are:

What should I tell my doctor before taking Delzicol?

Before taking Delzicol, tell your doctor if you:

How should I take Delzicol?

What should I avoid while taking Delzicol?

Some patients with pre-existing skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis or eczema may be more sensitive to sunlight. These people should avoid sun exposure, wear protective clothing, and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen when outdoors while taking Delzicol.

Dosing information

Importantly, two Delzicol 400 mg capsules have not been shown to be interchangeable or substitutable with one mesalamine delayed-release 800 mg tablet.

See the full prescribing information for further Delzicol dosing information.

What are the side effects of Delzicol?

Delzicol may cause serious side effects, including:

The most common side effects of Delzicol include:

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of Delzicol.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

If you are having difficulty paying for your medicine, AbbVie may be able to help. Visit AbbVie.com/myAbbVieAssist to learn more.

Interactions

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Taking Delzicol with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may cause kidney problems. Taking Delzicol with azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine may cause blood problems.

Ask your doctor if you are not sure if you are taking one of these medicines.

Your doctor may do certain tests during treatment with Delzicol to monitor for adverse reactions caused by drug interactions.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to get pregnant. Talk to your doctor about the risk of taking Delzicol during pregnancy. There is limited information available about the safety of Delzicol during pregnancy. Delzicol should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Delzicol passes into human breast milk. Caution is advised when using Delzicol while you are nursing. Talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby while taking Delzicol.

Storage

Store Delzicol at room temperature 20° to 25° C (68° to 77° F); excursions are permitted 15° to 30° C (59° to 86° F).

Keep Delzicol and other medications out of reach of children.

What are the ingredients in Delzicol?

Active ingredient: mesalamine

Inactive ingredients: silicon dioxide, dibutyl sebacate, ferric oxide red, ferric oxide yellow, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, methacrylic acid and methyl methancrylate copolymer (Eudragit S), polyethylene glycol, povidone, sodium starch glycolate type A potato, talc and hypromelloses.

Delzicol is distributed by Allergan USA, Inc. Madison, NJ 07940.

Popular FAQ

Research studies looking at patients who received daily oral doses of 4 to 6 grams of mesalamine showed that 80% of patients achieved complete or significant clinical improvement within 4 weeks.

Some forms of mesalamine are used long-term as a maintenance therapy in ulcerative colitis to help prevent symptoms from flaring up. Not all forms or brands of mesalamine are used long-term, so check with your doctor about your specific medicine. Call your doctor if your ulcerative colitis symptoms get worse after starting treatment.

The best time to take or use mesalamine will depend on the specific product you are using and why you are using it (ulcerative colitis induction or maintenance, ulcerative proctitis). Some products may need to be taken with food while others are taken on an empty stomach. Check with your doctor.

Mesalamine is an antiinflammatory, not an immunosuppressant. It may be one of the first treatments used for ulcerative colitis (UC) to lessen symptoms like diarrhea, rectal bleeding, or stomach pain. Immunosuppression is not a listed side effect for mesalamine. Other medicines used for UC, like prednisone, can suppress the immune system.

Brand name products of mesalamine may be more expensive than generic options. Some, but not all mesalamine products are available as generics. Your insurance should help pay for generics, or if you are paying out-of-pocket, ask your healthcare provider if there is a more affordable option.

Mesalamine is available as delayed-release tablets or capsules, extended-release capsules, and rectal preparations like suppositories or enemas. The maximum dose will depend upon the specific product you are using and your diagnosis. Only use the dose prescribed by your doctor.

Mesalamine is used in some patients with ulcerative colitis as a maintenance (long-term) treatment to help you stay in remission (without active symptoms). Other treatments for ulcerative colitis or proctitis are only taken short-term. Ask your doctor when you can stop taking treatment.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.