Canasa (Mesalamine)

What is Canasa (Mesalamine, Mesalamine, Asacol, Pentasa, Mesasal, Salofalk, Mesacol)?
Canasa (Mesalamine) has been labeled as a popular delayed-release medicine. It abates inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis, proctitis, proctosigmoiditis, Crohn's disease, syndromes of ulcerative colitis from recurring. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information about the salubrious effects of this product.

What should I tell my doctor before I take this drug?
Before using Canasa inform your physician about:

• liver or kidney disease
• pericarditis (inflammation of the sac around the heart)
• pyloric stenosis
• pregnancy, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant
• allergy to aspirin
• diabetes
• problems with urination
• pancreatitis (an inflamed pancreas)
• hypertension or any type of heart problems.

How to take Canasa?
This medicament is presented in suppository form for rectal use only. Canasa comes also with patient instructions for using the rectal enema. The average dose of Canasa rectal suppositories is one suppository at bedtime. Suppositories should be unwrapped before insertion into the rectum. Try to handle it as little as possible because heat from your fingers may cause it to melt. Shake the rectal enema suspension well before each use. The rectal enema liquid may have dark color after it has been removed from the foil pouch. This should not affect the medicament. However, throw away any enema suspension that has turned dark brown. Take this medicament exactly as instructed on your prescription label and fixed by your physician.

What should you do if you miss a dose of Canasa?
If you miss a dose of Canasa, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

What should you do if you overdose of Canasa?
Any medication taken large doses can have serious consequences. If you feel an overdose, apprise your medic instantly.

What drug(s) may interact with Canasa?

• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) ( Omeprazole (Prilosec®), Pantoprazole (Protonix®), Esomeprazole (Nexium®), Lansoprazole (Prevacid®), Rabeprazole (AcipHex®), Dexlansoprazole (Kapidex™)
• Thioguanine (Tabloid®)
• Azathioprine (Azasan®, Imuran®)
• The varicella virus vaccine (Varivax®) or varicella, measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (ProQuad®)
• Warfarin (Coumadin®, Jantoven®)
• Antacids (such as Tums®)
• H2 blockers ( Famotidine (Pepcid®), Cimetidine (Tagamet®), Ranitidine (Zantac®), Cimetidine (Tagamet®), Nizatidine (Axid®))
• Mercaptopurine (Purinethol®)
• Digoxin (Digitek®, Lanoxin®).

What side-effects may occur?

• Fatigue, faintness
• Chest pain, wheezing
• Thirst or dry mouth, nose, or throat
• Rectal pain, bloody diarrhea
• Fever
• Difficulty urinating (urinary retention), dark urine
• Headache, dizziness, ringing in your ears
• Acne
• Nausea, vomiting
• Indigestion, or upset stomach, bloating, stomach gas, pain or cramps
• Liver problems, yellowing eyes, skin
• Allergic reaction ( swelling of your tongue, throat, lips orface; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; skin rash or swelling).

How should Canasa be stored?
Canasa should be stored at room temperature, between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C), in a tightly closed container. Protect from moisture, direct heat, and light. Do not refrigerate. Do not store in the bathroom or near a sink. Keep medication out of the reach of children and away from pets.