Mesalamine ER 500 Mg Capsule is an extended-release formulation of the drug mesalamine, which is used to treat ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and ulcers in the colon. Mesalamine works by reducing inflammation in the colon and relieving symptoms such as diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and abdominal pain.
Mesalamine ER 500 Mg Capsules are taken by mouth and are released slowly over time in the colon. This allows the medication to be delivered directly to the area where it is needed. Mesalamine ER 500 Mg Capsules are typically taken once or twice daily.
Mesalamine ER 500 Mg Capsules are generally safe and well-tolerated. However, some common side effects can occur, such as headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and gas. Less common side effects include nausea, vomiting, rash, and itching.
If you are considering taking Mesalamine ER 500 Mg Capsules, it is important to talk to your doctor first. They can help you determine if this medication is right for you and can monitor you for any side effects.
When is the best time to take mesalamine
The best time to take mesalamine depends on the specific formulation of the medication you are taking.
- Delayed-release mesalamine (Lialda): Take with food once a day.
- Extended-release mesalamine (Asacol HD): Take on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
- Immediate-release mesalamine (Asacol, Pentasa): Can be taken with or without food.
It is important to take mesalamine at the same time each day so that you maintain a consistent level of the medication in your body. This will help to ensure that the medication is working as effectively as possible.
If you are unsure when to take your mesalamine medication, be sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
what is the maximum dosage of mesalamine?
The maximum dosage of mesalamine for adults is 4.8 grams per day. This can be taken orally in divided doses, or rectally as an enema or suppository.
How long for mesalamine enema to work
Mesalamine enema typically starts to work within 2 to 4 weeks. However, it may take up to 8 weeks to see the full benefits of mesalamine enema.
If you are taking mesalamine enema to treat ulcerative colitis, you will typically need to take it for 4 to 8 weeks to achieve remission. Remission is a period of time when the inflammation in the colon has subsided and the symptoms of ulcerative colitis have improved or disappeared.
Is mesalamine a steroid?
No, mesalamine is not a steroid. It is a type of medication called an aminosalicylate. Both steroids and aminosalicylates can reduce inflammation, but they work slightly differently in the body to do so.
Steroids are synthetic hormones that mimic the effects of the body’s natural steroid hormones, such as cortisol. Cortisol is a powerful anti-inflammatory hormone, and steroids work by increasing the levels of cortisol in the body.
Aminosalicylates, on the other hand, work by blocking the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body. They are also thought to have a protective effect on the lining of the intestines.
what is the most common side effect of mesalamine?
The most common side effect of mesalamine is headache. Other common side effects include:
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Rash
- Itching
Less common side effects can include:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Sore throat
- Hair loss
Most side effects of mesalamine are mild and go away on their own. However, if you experience any severe or persistent side effects, be sure to talk to your doctor.
Mesalamine suppository brand name
The brand name for mesalamine suppositories is Canasa. It is available in two strengths: 500 mg and 1000 mg. Canasa suppositories are used to treat mild to moderate active ulcerative proctitis (inflammation of the rectum).
Canasa suppositories are inserted into the rectum once or twice a day, as directed by your doctor. They are typically used for 2 to 4 weeks, or until your symptoms improve.
It is important to note that Canasa suppositories are not a cure for ulcerative colitis, but they can help to control the symptoms of the disease. If you have any questions or concerns about using Canasa suppositories, be sure to talk to your doctor.
Why is mesalamine so expensive?
There are a number of reasons why mesalamine is so expensive.
- Brand name dominance: Mesalamine is sold under a number of brand names, such as Asacol, Lialda, and Pentasa. Brand name medications are typically more expensive than generic medications.
- Limited competition: The market for mesalamine is relatively limited, with only a few manufacturers competing. This lack of competition can lead to higher prices.
- High manufacturing costs: Mesalamine is a complex molecule to manufacture, and the production process can be expensive.
- Research and development costs: The pharmaceutical companies that developed mesalamine invested a significant amount of money in research and development. These costs are typically passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices.
In addition to these general factors, there are a number of specific factors that have contributed to the high price of mesalamine in recent years.
- Patent protection: The patents on some mesalamine formulations have expired, but others are still protected. This means that the manufacturers of these formulations have a monopoly on the market and can charge higher prices.
- Insurance coverage: Some insurance companies have not been adequately covering the cost of mesalamine, which has led to higher out-of-pocket costs for patients.
- Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs): PBMs are middlemen that negotiate drug prices on behalf of insurance companies. PBMs have been accused of using their market power to drive up drug prices, including the price of mesalamine.
The high price of mesalamine can be a significant burden for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD is a chronic condition, and patients often need to take mesalamine for many years or even a lifetime. The high cost of mesalamine can make it difficult for patients to afford their medication, which can lead to poor health outcomes.
