Drugs & Vitamins

Balsalazide Active Ingredients: Balsalazide   Representative Names: Colazal Available Product Images: What are balsalazide capsules? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I take this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with balsalazide? What side effects may I notice from taking balsalazide? What should I watch for while taking balsalazide? Where can I keep my medicine? What are balsalazide capsules? (Back to top) BALSALAZIDE (Colazal®) 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 I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) 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? (Back to top) 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? (Back to top) 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? (Back to top) Specific interactions between balsalazide and other drugs have not been studied. 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? (Back to top) 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? (Back to top) 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? (Back to top) 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. Last Updated:08/24/2005 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.