Rowasa 1gm Sachets (Mesalazine 1gm)

INTRODUCTION

ROWASA contains mesalamine (mesalazine) which belongs to the group of medicines called salicylates. It is an anti-inflammatory drug used to treat and prevent mild-to-moderate Ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease in which the lining of the bowel, colon and rectum are inflamed and develops tiny breaks in its surface (ulcers) which may bleed.

ROWASA act locally in the colon and rectum and reduce inflammation. It can also prevent further episodes (flares) of ulcerative colitis. Along with this treatment, your doctor might recommend you, to avoid smoking and alcohol consumption, stick to simple meals and to drink plenty of water. Prior to the treatment, your doctor might take blood and urine test to access the function of your kidneys.

Open the foil sachet and empty the contents onto the tongue. Wash the granules down the throat immediately with some water or orange juice, ensuring that none remain in the mouth. Do not crush or chew the granules. Avoid concomitant use of ROWASA with other anti-inflammatory disease because it can increase the risk of side effects. On the course of treatment, regular monitoring of your liver, kidney and blood is required, to avoid any unwanted or toxic effects. If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, or breastfeeding inform your doctor before taking this medicine. The most common side effect of taking this medicine is abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating and headache.

USES OF ROWASA

Treats and prevents mild-to-moderate Ulcerative colitis

HOW ROWASA WORKS

Mesalamine inhibits the production of prostaglandins (lipid compounds which produces tissue damage and inflammation) by blocking the activity of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase. Decreased production of prostaglandins reduces the inflammation in the colon and rectum, which in turn reduces the symptoms associated with ulcerative colitis.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Take ROWASA as directed by your physician. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your condition. Open the foil sachet and empty the contents onto the tongue. Wash the granules down the throat immediately with some water or orange juice, ensuring that none remain in the mouth. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Continue to take this medicine, as long as your doctor tells you to do so, to obtain better results.

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SIDE EFFECTS OF ROWASA

SERIOUS
Allergic reactions (such as skin rash, itching, shortness of breath, swelling of the face, lips or throat, increased heartbeat or chest pain)
Fever, sore throat
Mouth or lip ulcers
Spots underneath your skin anywhere on your body
Pale skin
Swollen ankles
Unusual bleeding (e.g. unexpected nosebleeds or bleeding gums)
Change in color or amount of urine produced
COMMON
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Nausea or vomiting
Wind (bloating)
Headache
Muscle pain
Indigestion
Rectal disorder
RARE
Inflammation of pancreas
Numbness and tingling of fingers and toes
Hair loss

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Nausea or vomiting:

Try taking this medicine with, or just after meal and stick to simple meals. Do not eat rich or spicy food.

Diarrhea:

Drink lots of fluids, to avoid dehydration. Avoid taking any medicines for diarrhoea without speaking to a doctor.

Stomach pain:

Try to rest and relax. You can eat and drink slowly or have smaller and frequent meals. Keeping a heat pad on your stomach may also help. If still pain persists, speak to your doctor.

Headache:

Apply hot or cold-water bag on your head. Take rest in a quiet and dark room. Drink tea or coffee.

Bloating or wind:

Eat smaller and frequent meals. Eat and drink slowly, and exercise regularly. If the symptoms get worse, contact your doctor straight away.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

PREGNANCY
ROWASA should not be used in pregnant women unless clearly necessary. Consult your doctor before taking.

BREASTFEEDING
ROWASA should not be used in breastfeeding mothers unless clearly necessary. Consult your doctor before taking.

DRIVING AND USING MACHINES
Do not drive or operate any machines if your ability is affected by this medicine.

ALCOHOL
Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking this medicine.

KIDNEY
Do not take ROWASA if you have a severe kidney impairment. Consult your doctor for advice.

LIVER
ROWASA should be taken with caution in patients with severe liver disease. Consult your doctor for advice.

ALLERGY
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to mesalazine (mesalamine), aspirin or other salicylates.

LUNGS
ROWASA should be taken with caution in patients with lung disease. Consult your doctor for advice.

OTHERS

Do not take this medicine, if you:

Have stomach ulcers with or without bleeding in the gut

INTERACTIONS

Talk to your doctor, if you are taking,

Lactulose (used to treat constipation)
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen, aspirin, celecoxib)
Azathioprine (used to treat severe rheumatoid arthritis)
6-mercaptopurine or thioguanine (used to treat cancer)
Medicines that stops blood clotting (e.g. warfarin)