Asacol
Mesalazine tablets for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. It works directly on the bowel lining rather than affecting the whole body.
All strengths and pack prices
| Strength | Pack | Price | Per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 400mg | 60 tablets | $99.00 | $1.65 |
| 400mg | 90 tablets | $139.00 | $1.54 |
- Category
- Digestive Health
- Active ingredient
- Mesalazine
- Route
- Oral use
- Form
- Tablet
- Strengths
- 400mg
Asacol is the reference name. You receive a generic with the same active ingredient and strength.
No prescription needed: we place your order for Asacol on your behalf.
- Conditions
- Ulcerative Colitis · Crohn's Disease
- Alternative names
- mesalamine
- Therapeutic class
- 5-Aminosalicylic Acid Derivative
- Pharmacological class
- Aminosalicyclate
- Known off-label uses
- crohn's disease
- Contraindications
- severe renal impairment; hypersensitivity to salicylates
- Minor side effects
- headache; nausea; flatulence
- Moderate side effects
- abdominal pain; diarrhoea; fever
- Dosage forms
- Tablet
- Administration route
- Oral use
- Originator
- Warner Chilcott
- Onset time
- 1–2 weeks
- Duration
- 8–12 hours
- Storage instructions
- Store below 25°C.
- Drug interactions
- Azathioprine; NSAIDs; Antacids
- Age restrictions
- Approved for paediatric and adult populations.
Serious side effects
acute pancreatitis, requires immediate medical attention; interstitial nephritis, requires immediate medical attention
Patient summary
Mesalazine tablets for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. It works directly on the bowel lining rather than affecting the whole body.
Mechanism of action
Acts locally on the colon mucosa to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis and reduce inflammatory mediator release.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy: Suitability during pregnancy depends on the specific medicine and individual circumstances. Confirm with a qualified clinician or pharmacist before use. Breastfeeding: Monitor infant for diarrhoea.
FAQ
Is the Asacol on Direct Meds a generic?
Yes, you receive a generic. Asacol is the original brand, made by Warner Chilcott, and Direct Meds uses the name to identify the medicine; the generic has the same active ingredient (mesalazine) at the same strength. The generic brand and manufacturer depend on available stock.
How is Asacol priced?
Asacol comes in a 400mg strength, in packs of 60 to 90 tablets, and the price of every option is shown above. Prices are set in US dollars and converted. Larger packs cost less per tablet.
Payment and prices →What other names is Asacol sold under?
Other brand names for mesalazine include Mesalamine. In South Africa, mesalazine is also sold under brand names such as Pentasa, Mezavant and Zylamene.
What is Asacol used for?
Asacol contains mesalazine, used for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
How quickly does Asacol work?
Mesalazine usually starts to work within 1 to 2 weeks. The exact timing differs between people.
Does Asacol have side effects?
Yes. The common side effects of mesalazine are headache, nausea and flatulence. Less common ones include abdominal pain, diarrhoea and fever. Serious but less common side effects include acute pancreatitis and interstitial nephritis, which need urgent medical attention.
What does Asacol interact with?
Mesalazine can interact with azathioprine, NSAIDs and antacids. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take before you start taking Asacol.
Is Asacol available over the counter in South Africa?
Online, yes: Direct Meds does not ask for a prescription to order Asacol. We are a broker, not a dispensing pharmacy. We arrange orders and delivery with our affiliated supplier on your behalf.
Ordering without a prescription →Can I buy Asacol online in South Africa?
Yes. Our affiliated supplier delivers across South Africa. Estimated delivery is 7 days with Express Delivery, which includes online tracking, or up to 3 weeks with Regular Delivery.
How ordering works →What you will receive
Asacol names the medicine you are looking for. What ships is a generic version of it.
- A generic containing Mesalazine at the strength you pick.
- Which generic brand and maker ships depends on stock and destination.
- Check the active ingredient, strength, form, pack, seal, batch and expiry when it arrives.