Asacol (mesalamine) is an anti-inflammatory drug used to treat ulcerative colitis, proctitis, and proctosigmoiditis, and is also used to prevent the symptoms of ulcerative colitis from recurring. Common side effects of Asacol include:
mild nausea,
vomiting,
stomach cramps,
diarrhea,
gas,
fever,
sore throat,
flu-like symptoms,
constipation,
headache,
dizziness,
tired feeling, or
skin rash.
Tell your doctor if you have serious side effects of Asacol including:
severe stomach pain,
cramping,
fever,
headache, and
bloody diarrhea.
5-aminosalicylate (5-ASA); available in oral and rectal formulations; clinical response is due to local effect
Used as an anti-inflammatory agent for ulcerative colitis; not considered effective for Crohn’s disease
Also used for ulcerative proctitis (rectal formulations, suppository and enema only)