Balsalazide capsules

What are balsalazide capsules?
BALSALAZIDE (Colazalreg;) is an antiinflammatory agent. It reduces inflammation inside the bowel and pain associated with ulcerative colitis and helps to prevent recurring inflammation. Generic balsalazide capsules are not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I take balsalazide?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•kidney or liver disease
•an unusual or allergic reaction to balsalazide, aspirin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?
Take balsalazide capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the capsules whole with a drink of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with balsalazide?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking balsalazide?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•chest pain
•difficulty breathing, wheezing
•fever, chills, sore throat
•skin rash or itching
•unusual bleeding or bruising
•unusual weakness or tiredness
•yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•diarrhea
•headache
•nausea, vomiting
•stomach pain or cramps

What should I watch for while taking balsalazide?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to improve after several days. There is usually an improvement in 3 to 21 days. You may need about 6 weeks of treatment to get good results. It is important that you go on taking your medicine and only stop taking it on your prescriber’s advice.

Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.

Drugs & Medications

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

The drug reference included in this section is provided by Cerner Multum, Inc., of Denver, Colorado. Armenian Medical Network receives monthly updates from Multum.