Salofalk (Mesalamine/5-aminosalicylic acid) is a prescription medication used to treat mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis is a long-term inflammation of the colon and rectum. Small ulcers can develop on the colon’s lining and bleed and produce pus. Salofalk is also used to treat mild to moderate Crohn’s disease. Crohn’s disease affects the gastrointestinal tract. Salofalk reduces symptoms and flare-ups of these conditions. Salofalk is an enteric coated (EC) tablet to prevent it from dissolving in acid. The stomach is very acidic, and the enteric coating allows the drug to work properly in the body. The active ingredient in Salofalk is Mesalamine. Mesalamine is also known as 5-aminosalicylic acid. Mesalamine belongs to a class of drugs called aminosalicylates. It works by decreasing swelling and inflammation in the bowel.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Salofalk from Canada manufactured by Allergan in the strength of 500 mg EC tablets. The generic Mesalamine/5-aminosalicylic acid (5 ASA) is also available from Canada by a different manufacturer in the strength of 400mg EC tablets.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while taking Salofalk. The most common side effects of Salofalk may include the following:
• Abdominal pain;
• Constipation;
• Dizziness;
• Mild diarrhea;
• Tiredness
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Rectal bleeding;
• Severe stomach pain;
• Signs of an allergic reaction, including skin rash, breathing difficulties, fever, swelling of the face, mouth, or throat
These are not all of the side effects of Salofalk. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not take Salofalk if you are allergic to Mesalamine, 5-aminosalicylic acid, other salicylates, or any ingredient in Salofalk. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to be pregnant;
• Have a history of problems with your lungs, especially bronchial asthma;
• Have a urinary tract obstruction;
• Have kidney problems;
• Have liver problems
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Salofalk and azathioprine, warfarin, aldesleukin, cisplatin, cyclosporine, etc. Avoid digoxin, carbamazepine, imatinib, folic acid, or calcium carbonate with Salofalk. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. 5-aminosalicylic acid crosses the placenta and may harm a fetus. This drug should only be used in pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Mesalamine passes into breast milk and may cause diarrhea in a nursing infant. Take Salofalk precisely as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the tablets whole with plenty of fluid. Do not chew, crush, or break the coating. Take the tablets one hour before meals. This drug can control the severity of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease symptoms. It is not a cure for these conditions. Do not stop taking your medication even if you feel better. Stopping Mesalamine suddenly may cause the illness to flare up again. You may notice intact or partially intact Mesalamine tablets in your stool. Inform your doctor if this happens repeatedly. Keep Salofalk out of sight and reach of children. Store below 250C.