What you need to know before you use Asacolon

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Serious skin reactions including Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) have been reported in association with mesalazine treatment. Stop using Asacolon and seek medical attention immediately if you notice any of the symptoms related to these serious skin reactions described in section 4.

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Mesalazine may produce red-brown urine discoloration after contact with sodium hypochlorite bleach in the toilet water. It concerns a chemical reaction between mesalazine and bleach and is harmless.

Possible side effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

 Stop using Asacolon and seek medical attention immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms:

·        reddish non-elevated, target-like or circular patches on the trunk, often with central blisters, skin peeling, ulcers of mouth, throat, nose, genitals and eyes, widespread rash, fever and enlarged lymph nodes. These serious skin rashes can be preceded by fever and flu-like symptoms

Section 4.4

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Urine Discoloration

Mesalazine may produce red-brown urine discoloration after contact with sodium hypochlorite bleach (e.g. in toilets cleaned with sodium hypochlorite contained in certain bleaches).

Severe cutaneous adverse reactions

Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), including Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), have been reported in association with mesalazine treatment. Mesalazine should be discontinued, at the first appearance of signs and symptoms of severe skin reactions, such as skin rash, mucosal lesions, or any other sign of hypersensitivity.

Section 4.8

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Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), including Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), have been reported in association with mesalazine treatment (see section 4.4).

PRAC update on Nephrolithiasis

Section 4.4

Nephrolithiasis
Cases of nephrolithiasis have been reported with the use of mesalazine including stones with a 100% mesalazine content. It is recommended to ensure adequate fluid intake during treatment.

Section 4.8 under frequency not known

Nephrolithiasis**

** see section 4.4 for further information

PRAC update on kidney stones in section 2 and 4

Section 2

Kidney stones may develop with use of mesalazine. Symptoms may include pain in sides of abdomen and blood in urine. Take care to drink sufficient amount of liquid during treatment with mesalazine.

• kidney stones and associated kidney pain (see also section 2)