Rowasa

Generic name: Mesalamine
Dosage form: rectal enema
Drug class: 5-aminosalicylates

Usage of Rowasa

Rowasa (mesalamine, sfRowasa) is an enema used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease including ulcerative colitis, proctosigmoiditis and proctitis. It is a liquid suspension for topical use that you instill into your rectum using a small bottle with an applicator tip.

Rowasa contains the drug mesalamine, which is also known as mesalazine or 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA). It belongs to a class of drugs called aminosalicylates.

Rowasa is thought to work by blocking the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX) and inhibiting prostaglandin production in the colon, which helps to reduce inflammation. COX and prostaglandins (a group of lipids) are both involved in generating an inflammatory response. Rowasa is thought to work locally to reduce inflammation in the epithelial cells that line the colon.

Rowasa was the first mesalamine product to be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for ulcerative colitis when it was approved in 1987.

Rowasa contains a sulfite called potassium metabisulfite, which some people are sensitive too, particularly people who have asthma or other atopic conditions. A sulfite-free Rowasa enema called sfRowasa is also available.

Rowasa side effects

Most side effects of Rowasa are mild and transient.

Side effects of Rowasa include:

Abdominal pain, cramps or discomfort

Headache

Gas or flatulence

Nausea

Flu

Tiredness, weakness, malaise or fatigue

Fever

Rash or spots

A cold or sore throat

Diarrhea

Leg or joint pain

Dizziness

Bloating

Back pain

Pain on insertion of enema tip

Hemorrhoids

Itching

Rectal pain

Constipation

Hair loss

Peripheral edema

Urinary tract infection or urinary burning

Rectal pain soreness or burning

Asthenia

Insomnia

Products containing the active ingredient mesalamine have been reported to cause:

Kidney problems, including kidney stones

Acute intolerance syndrome and other allergic reactions

Liver problems

Severe skin reactions

Sun sensitivity

These are not all of the possible side effects of Rowasa.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Rowasa

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if Rowasa can harm your unborn baby.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Rowasa can pass into your breast milk. Talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby if you use Rowasa.

Relate drugs

How to use Rowasa

The recommended adult dosage of Rowasa in 60 mL units is one rectal instillation (4 grams) once a day, preferably at bedtime, and retained for approximately eight hours. The usual course of therapy is from 3 to 6 weeks depending on symptoms and sigmoidoscopic findings.

See full prescribing information for further information about Rowasa dosing.

Warnings

Rowasa is for rectal use only. Do not take Rowasa by mouth.

What other drugs will affect Rowasa

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements.

Using Rowasa with certain other medicines may affect each other. Using Rowasa with other medicines can cause serious side effects.

Especially tell your doctor if you take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), or medicines that contain azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine. Taking Rowasa with NSAIDS may cause kidney problems. Taking Rowasa with azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine may cause blood problems. Ask your doctor if you are not sure if you are taking one of these medicines.

Your doctor may do certain tests during treatment with Rowasa.

Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your doctor and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

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