How does it work?

Balsalazide disodium belongs to a group of medicines called the aminosalicylates. It consists of mesalazine linked to a carrier molecule with a chemical bond. The active medicine, mesalazine, is released by the action of bacteria in the large bowel (colon). Mesalazine is an intestinal anti-inflammatory medicine that acts locally on the mucosa of the colon. By damping down the inflammatory process it allows the damaged tissue to recover. The exact mechanism of action is unknown. It is used to treat mild-moderate active ulcerative colitis and to maintain remission from the disease. 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 including adominal pain and diarrhoea which may contain blood, pus or mucus.

What is it used for?

Maintenance treatment of ulcerative colitis to prevent flare-ups

Treatment of mild to moderate attacks of ulcerative colitis

Warning!

This medicine may rarely cause a decrease in the normal amounts of blood cells in the blood. For this reason, if you experience any unexplained bruising, purple spots, bleeding, sore throat, mouth ulcers, high temperature (fever), feeling tired or general illness, you should consult your doctor immediately so that blood tests can be carried out to check for this.

This medicine is not recommended for use in children.

During treatment, blood tests and urine samples are recommended to monitor kidney function and blood components.

Use with caution in

Active peptic ulcer

Asthma

Bleeding disorders

Liver disease

Mildly decreased kidney function

Not to be used in

Allergy to mesalazine

Allergy to salicylates (e.g. aspirin)

Breastfeeding

Moderate to severely decreased kidney function

Pregnancy

Severely decreased liver function

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.

The safety of this medicine during pregnancy has not been established, therefore it should not be used by pregnant women. Consult your doctor.

Significant amounts of this medicine may pass into breast milk. It should not be used by breastfeeding mothers as it may be harmful to the nursing infant. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

Take this medication with or after food.

This medication is to be swallowed whole, not chewed.

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