How does it work?

This medicine contains the active ingredient olsalazine sodium, which is a type of medicine called an aminosalicylate. It is used for treating the inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis. Olsalazine works by reducing inflammation in the lining of the intestines. It is known to reduce the actions of substances in the body that produce inflammation, however the full mechanism of action of this medicine is not completely understood. Olsalazine reduces the inflammation in the gut that causes flare-ups of ulcerative colitis. It is therefore used to these control flare-ups, and is also used as a maintenance treatment to prevent further flare-ups.

What is it used for?

Maintenance treatment of ulcerative colitis to prevent flare-ups

Treatment of active 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 may cause diarrhoea if it is taken on an empty stomach. To avoid this you should take the medicine at the end of a meal. Consult your doctor if you are still experiencing diarrhoea despite taking the medicine with food.

Use with caution in

Blood disorders

Not to be used in

Allergy to salicylates, eg aspirin

Significantly decreased kidney 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 in pregnancy has not been established. It should therefore be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the benefits to the mother outweigh any risks to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

It is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk. It should be used with caution in nursing mothers, and only if the benefits to the mother outweigh any risks to the nursing infant. Discuss this with your doctor.

Label warnings

Take this medication with or after food.

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