You may ask what is Mesalamine and what is it used for? It is used in suppository form for inflammation and swelling in the colon or rectum. Among one of the most important problems it treats is ulcerative,colitis sometimes inflammatory bowel disease and Crohn’s disease. It is estimated that at least 500,000 people in the United States have some form of inflammatory bowel disease.
Depending on your condition and the severity of your problems, your doctor will tell you how much and how often to use mesalamine. Follow his advice carefully and do not use more or take more often than he suggests. And most important, do not take a rectal suppository by mouth, don’t laugh, it has been known to happen.
Follow these instructions for using your rectal suppository:
Make sure you empty your bladder and possibly have a bowel movement before inserting your suppository.
Make sure your hands are clean before unwrapping your suppository. Yes, you do have to unwrap it! Try not to hold the suppository for too long at one time, because it tends to melt due to our body temperature. The first time might not be as quick to insert, but it will get much easier. If necessary, you can use some K-Y Jelly.
The next step is for you to lie on your left side. The left leg needs to be straight or bent slightly. The right knee should be bent slightly upward. Position the suppository so you can gently push it into the rectum for about one inch. Lie down and relax for about 15 minutes so the suppository won’t melt and come out. Of course wash your hands again. This medicine needs to stay in your body for about 2-3 hours or maybe longer, depending on your doctor’s instructions. You may have to insert more than once a day depending on your doctors instructions. You may also be able to find a more comfortable way on inserting the suppository, which is alright also. Do not get the suppository on your furniture or clothes, because it will stain.
Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding or want to get pregnant. Also tell your doctor if you have allergies, asthma, heart disease, kidney disease or if can’t tolerate aspirin. If you have bloody diarrhea, headaches or stomach cramps, contact your doctor.
Some of the side-effects of Mesalamine are swelling in your throat or trouble breathing. Some other things to watch out for are chest pain or pain in the arm, vomiting fever, dizziness and some hair loss and of course pain in the rectum. If you happen to miss a dose and it’s close to your next dose, don’t try to do the missed dose.
You do need a prescription for Mesalamine. Another name of Mesalamine is Asacol. You can order on line at some of the less expensive on-line pharmacies. You can get a generic at sometimes half the price of Mesalamine. Your pharmacist will advise about your alternatives as to price and the best place to obtain these medicines.
