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Aminosalicylates for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.
Here are some important things to think about:
- Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
- Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
- If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Call
- Trouble breathing.
- Hives.
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Sulfasalazine
Call your doctor right away if you have:
- Aching joints.
- A headache that won't go away.
- A fever.
- Itching or a rash.
- Skin sensitivity to sunlight.
Mesalamine
Call your doctor right away if you have:
- Severe belly pain or cramps.
- Bloody diarrhea.
- Itching or a rash.
- A severe headache.
Common side effects of all these medicines include:
- Mild stomach pain or cramps, nausea, loss of appetite.
- Diarrhea.
- Dizziness.
- Mild headache.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: October 8, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Arvydas D. Vanagunas, MD - Gastroenterology | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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