Mesalamine is prescribed to treat and prevent flare-up symptoms of ulcerative colitis.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes swelling and painful sores in the lining of the large intestine. While the exact cause of this condition is unknown (diet and stress aggravate but don’t cause ulcerative colitis), genetics and immune system malfunctions appear to play a role in its development.

Ulcerative colitis causes symptoms such as:

• Diarrhea
  
• Stomach pain
  
• Rectal pain and bleeding
  
• Constipation
  
• Weight loss
  
• Fever
  
• Fatigue
  
• Urgent need to defecate
  

Mesalamine both prevents and minimizes these symptoms.

Mesalamine has been shown to cause some side effects. If these mild reactions do not go away within a few days, talk to your health care provider.

Common side effects reported while taking mesalamine include:

• Nausea
  
• Vomiting
  
• Heartburn
  
• Belching/ gas
  
• Constipation
  
• Dry mouth
  
• Sweating
  

This is not a complete list of adverse reactions. Call your doctor right away if you experience any difficulty breathing, flu-like symptoms, swelling, dizziness, or a skin rash.

As with all prescription medication, be sure to inform the prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with and any medication/ supplements you are currently taking. In addition, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant. Mesalamine can interact with other forms of medication, causing potentially serious side effects.

Mesalamine is commonly supplied as an oral delayed-release capsule. For the treatment of ulcerative colitis, adults should take 800 mg of mesalamine 3 times a week. Treatment with mesalamine can take up to 6 weeks. Drink extra fluids while taking the medication so that you urinate more often (which helps prevent kidney problems). Talk to your doctor about whether or not you should take mesalamine with food. Certain capsules are to be taken on an empty stomach, while others should be consumed with food.

Do not discontinue or increase your dosage of mesalamine without consulting your doctor first. Take the medication exactly as prescribed, and inform your doctor if you begin to experience any side effects while taking the medication.

Mesalamine is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not mesalamine is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for mesalamine to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.