Mesalamine

Mesalamine is a prescription medication used to treat active disease and maintain remission in ulcerative colitis. It belongs to a class of drugs known as aminosalicylates (5-ASA). Mesalamine generally works by reducing inflammation in the colon, helping relieve symptoms. This includes diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and abdominal pain associated with ulcerative colitis.

It is only available with a valid prescription and should be taken under the guidance of a licensed healthcare provider. Mesalamine comes in multiple dosage forms and strengths. However, our pharmacy currently provides Mesalamine tablets in 800 mg and 1200 mg strengths, based on prescription requirements.

Mesalamine is an FDA-approved medication used in adults for:

• Treatment of mildly to moderately active UC (ulcerative colitis)
• Maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis

Mesalamine carries important precautions and safety considerations that patients should be aware of:

What to Avoid While Taking Mesalamine?

• Avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) unless advised by your healthcare provider, particularly with long-term or high-dose use, as they may increase the risk of kidney problems.
• Do not exceed the prescribed dose or change your dosing schedule without medical advice.
• Avoid use in people with severe liver impairment unless closely monitored.
• Do not use Mesalamine for conditions other than those prescribed, such as ulcerative colitis.
• Inform your provider about all other medications you are taking, including supplements.
• Do not use Mesalamine if you have a known allergy to mesalamine, salicylates, or aminosalicylates.

What Are the Warnings of Mesalamine?

• Hypersensitivity reactions, including rash, fever, chest pain, or worsening colitis symptoms, may occur in some patients.
• Renal (kidney) impairment, including kidney failure, has been reported; kidney function should be monitored before and during treatment.
• Rare cases of acute intolerance syndrome (abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, headache, fever, rash) have been reported and may mimic a flare of ulcerative colitis.
• The safety of Mesalamine during pregnancy and breastfeeding should be discussed with a healthcare provider. Use only if the benefits outweigh the risks.

Who Cannot Take Mesalamine?

• You should not take Mesalamine if you:
  • Have a known hypersensitivity to mesalamine, salicylates, or any component of the formulation
  • Have severe renal impairment or a history of mesalamine-associated kidney disease, unless closely monitored
  • Have a history of intolerance to aminosalicylates
• Mesalamine use in pediatric patients FDA-approved ages vary by brand and indication, and should only be used if specifically prescribed.

What Should You Do If You Miss a Dose of Mesalamine?

• If you miss a Mesalamine dose, take the tablet as soon as you remember.
• If it is almost time for your next one, skip the missed dose.
• Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

Mesalamine side effects are usually mild and manageable, but some can be serious. Patients should always use Mesalamine under medical supervision and report unusual symptoms to their provider.

Mesalamine (5-aminosalicylic acid, 5-ASA) works locally in the lining of the colon to reduce inflammation associated with ulcerative colitis. Its exact mechanism is not fully understood. Mesalamine is believed to work by inhibiting the production of inflammatory chemicals in the intestinal mucosa, including prostaglandins and leukotrienes. By reducing inflammation in the colon, Mesalamine helps to:

• Decrease swelling and irritation of the intestinal lining
• Relieve symptoms such as rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, and diarrhea
• Maintain remission in patients with UC (ulcerative colitis) when taken as prescribed

• Follow your healthcare provider’s exact instructions. Do not start, stop, or change your dose without medical guidance.
• Take Mesalamine tablets by mouth, usually once daily or as prescribed.
• Mesalamine may be taken with or without food, unless your doctor advises otherwise.
• Swallow the tablets whole with water. Do not crush, chew, or break them.
• Take the delayed-release tablets at the same time each day to maintain consistent levels in your body.
• Continue taking Mesalamine even if symptoms improve, unless your healthcare provider tells you to stop.

Mesalamine dosage can vary depending on the specific Mesalamine formulation, strength, and individual patient factors. Always follow FDA‑approved and doctor-prescribed dosing instructions to ensure safe and effective treatment. Here is the average dosing schedule of Mesalamine 800 mg and 1200 mg tablets:

Important Information:

• Mesalamine doses are often written in grams (g), but tablets are measured in milligrams (mg). To help you understand:
  • 1 gram (g) = 1000 milligrams (mg)
  • 2.4 g = 2400 mg
  • 4.8 g = 4800 mg
• Other FDA-approved mesalamine formulations (such as Delzicol, Pentasa, and Apriso) have different dosing schedules. Always follow the specific product labeling and your healthcare provider’s instructions.

According to FDA-approved labeling, the duration of treatment with Mesalamine tablets depends on the reason for treatment.

• For active ulcerative colitis, Mesalamine is prescribed for a specific treatment period to reduce inflammation and control symptoms. The duration might vary depending on the formulation and individual response to therapy.
• For maintenance of remission, it may be taken long-term to help maintain remission and prevent symptom recurrence, as directed by a healthcare provider.

The exact duration of your treatment is determined by your doctor based on disease severity, response to therapy, and the specific Mesalamine formulation used. Do not stop or change your dose without medical advice, even if symptoms improve.

Mesalamine and Mesalazine often cause confusion, but they are actually the same medication. The only difference is the name used in different regions. Both refer to the same active ingredient and are used to treat ulcerative colitis (UC) and other inflammatory bowel diseases.

If mesalamine is not suitable or does not adequately control ulcerative colitis symptoms, healthcare providers may recommend other FDA‑approved treatment options. These alternatives depend on disease severity and patient response.

Mesalamine can interact with certain medications, especially those affecting the kidneys or containing salicylates. You should consult your provider before combining Mesalamine with other drugs.

Polar Bear Meds partners with licensed Canadian pharmacies to provide U.S. patients with authentic Mesalamine, ensuring safe and FDA-approved medication. We provide FDA-approved Mesalamine at potential cost savings compared to U.S. retail pharmacy prices. All orders are processed under medical supervision with prescription verification, ensuring safe, reliable, and genuine medication.

Additional benefits include:

• Access to authentic Mesalamine from regulated pharmacy partners
• Potential cost savings compared to U.S. retail pharmacy prices
• 10% off for first-time customers with coupon code WELCOMEPB10
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
• Secure online ordering and prescription verification
• Trackable shipping from Canada to the U.S.
• Delivery within 3-5 business days via Xpress Post
• Protective packaging to maintain the integrity of medicines during transit
• Responsive customer support for order or prescription assistance

The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always take Mesalamine exactly as prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider and refer to the FDA-approved labeling for complete safety information. Consult your doctor before stopping, starting, or changing any medication.

• https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/021830s019lbl.pdf
• https://www.webmd.com/drugs/mesalamine-lialda
• https://www.webmd.com/ibd-crohns-disease/ulcerative-colitis/mesalamine-ulcerative-colitis
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/mesalamine-oral-route/description/drg-20064708
• https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a688021.html
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551714/