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Category: Inflammatory bowel disease

Explore our medication guides and pharmacology articles within this category.

Why is mesalamine being discontinued? Understanding brand withdrawals and patient options

4 min read
Over the past decade, several branded mesalamine products like Asacol and Asacol HD have been voluntarily discontinued by their manufacturers for commercial and regulatory reasons. While this is a significant development, it does not mean the entire medication class is being discontinued, but rather reflects strategic business decisions, leaving many patients wondering why is mesalamine being discontinued.

Understanding Combination Therapy: Can You Take Mesalamine and Budesonide Together?

5 min read
Nearly 3 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), and finding an effective treatment strategy is crucial. For those managing conditions like Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn's Disease, figuring out which medications can be combined safely is a common question. For example, 'Can you take mesalamine and budesonide together?', is a question with a clear answer: under a doctor's supervision, yes, as these two medications can be used in combination to manage flare-ups and maintain remission.

What Not to Take with Pentasa? Understanding Dangerous Drug Interactions

4 min read
Did you know that taking certain common medications, such as ibuprofen, can significantly increase your risk of kidney damage when combined with Pentasa? Understanding what not to take with Pentasa is critical for patients with inflammatory bowel disease to avoid potentially serious adverse effects from drug interactions.

Does Buscopan Help an Inflamed Bowel? Understanding Its Role in Digestive Health

4 min read
Buscopan is a widely used antispasmodic medication, but confusion often arises about its purpose, especially regarding whether **does Buscopan help an inflamed bowel** directly. This antispasmodic is designed to relieve cramps by relaxing the smooth muscles of the digestive tract, not to treat the underlying inflammation that characterizes conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

What is the next step after mesalamine? A guide to IBD treatment progression

4 min read
Approximately 50% of patients with mild-to-moderate inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) will fail first-line mesalamine therapy, necessitating a conversation with their healthcare provider about what is the next step after mesalamine. This progression involves moving to more potent medications or adding adjunctive therapies, depending on disease severity and type.

Can Mesalamine Cause Extreme Fatigue? Understanding the Causes

5 min read
Fatigue is one of the most common and debilitating symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), affecting up to 80% of patients with active disease. Given this, many people ask: **Can mesalamine cause extreme fatigue?** While fatigue can be a less common side effect of mesalamine, it's crucial to understand the multiple potential causes to find the right path to management.

Can mesalamine cause bruising? Understanding this rare side effect

4 min read
While uncommon, some reports have linked mesalamine to severe hematologic complications, including aplastic anemia and thrombocytopenia, which can lead to unexplained bleeding and bruising. For this reason, anyone asking, 'Can mesalamine cause bruising?' needs to understand the signs and severity of this rare adverse effect. It is a symptom that should be addressed immediately by a healthcare provider.

What is the drug mesalamine used for?

4 min read
Inflammatory bowel disease affects an estimated 1.6 million people in the United States, and for those with mild to moderate cases, the anti-inflammatory medication mesalamine is a common treatment. The primary purpose of this medication is to reduce swelling and irritation in the lining of the intestines. This comprehensive guide explores **what is the drug mesalamine used for**, detailing its applications, mechanism, and different forms.