Mezavant XL (mesalazine)

How does it work?

Mezavant XL tablets contain the active ingredient mesalazine, which is a type of medicine called an aminosalicylate. It is used to reduce inflammation in the intestines in a condition called ulcerative colitis.

Ulcerative colitis is a condition in which there is inflammation of the large intestine. This results in ulceration and bleeding in the intestine and causes symptoms that include abdominal pain and diarrhoea that is mixed with blood, pus and mucus.

Mesalazine works by reducing the inflammation in the intestine, which in turn reduces the symptoms of the disease. The way in which mesalazine does this is not fully understood.

Mezavant XL tablets have a special coating that allows the medicine to pass through the stomach and be released in the intestine where it is needed. They are used for the short-term treatment of symptoms and can also be taken on a continuous basis to control the inflammation in the intestine and help prevent attacks.

What is it used for?

Ulcerative colitis.

The tablets are used to treat mild to moderate symptoms of ulcerative colitis. They can also be used continuously to help prevent attacks.

Warning!

Mezavant XL tablets must be swallowed whole, not crushed or chewed. They should be taken with food.

This medicine may rarely cause a decrease in the normal amounts of blood cells in the blood. For this reason you should consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms: unexplained bruising or bleeding, purple spots, sore throat, mouth ulcers, high temperature (fever), feeling tired or general illness. Your doctor may want to take a blood test to check your blood cells.

Your kidney function should be checked before you start treatment with this medicine. Your kidney function should then be monitored every three months for the first year of treatment, every six months for the next four years and once a year thereafter.

Use with caution in

Decreased kidney function.

Decreased liver function.

Asthma.

Not to be used in

Allergy to salicylates (eg aspirin).

Severely decreased kidney function.

Severely decreased liver function.

Children under 18 years of age.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine passes into breast milk in small amounts. The effect of this on the breastfed baby is unknown, therefore this medicine should be used with caution in breastfeeding mothers. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

This medication is to be swallowed whole, not chewed.

Do not take indigestion remedies at the same time as this medicine.

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