Pentasa,Canasa

Before taking this medicine

Do not take mesalamine extended-release capsules if you have a known or suspected allergy to salicylates, aminosalicylates, or any ingredient in the capsules. Tell your prescriber if you have kidney or liver problems, take medicines that can harm the kidneys, or have a pre-existing skin condition. Kidney function should be checked before treatment and periodically during treatment. Treatment should be stopped if kidney function worsens. Older adults have a higher risk of blood disorders and should have blood cell and platelet counts monitored. Mesalamine can cause an acute intolerance reaction that may resemble worsening ulcerative colitis. Contact your prescriber if symptoms worsen; treatment should be stopped if this reaction is suspected. Suspected allergic reactions, including inflammation of the heart muscle or its surrounding lining, require immediate assessment and stopping treatment. Stop treatment at the first signs of a severe skin reaction or other signs of allergy and seek medical assessment. If you have a pre-existing skin condition, avoid sun exposure, wear protective clothing, and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen outdoors. Drink enough fluids during treatment because mesalamine-containing kidney stones can occur and may not appear on standard X-rays or CT scans. Tell the clinician arranging urine tests that you take mesalamine, as it can cause falsely high urinary normetanephrine results with certain testing methods.