How Asacol Works

Asacol is proven to help improve ulcerative colitis symptoms of rectal bleeding and increased stool frequency and can help begin repairing the lining of your colon.* The Asacol patented delivery system gets medicine where it is needed most.

• Once swallowed, a special outer coating allows the tablet to travel through the stomach until it reaches the end of the small intestine and the beginning of the colon.
• At the beginning of the colon, the tablet releases the active ingredient, mesalamine, to work throughout the colon.
• The active ingredient acts throughout the colon to help reduce inflammation of the inner lining of the colon and rectum.

When taking Asacol, be sure to swallow your tablets whole – do not break or chew them. Chewing breaks the special outer coating. In clinical studies, a small percentage of people (2-3%) reported passage in the stool of what appeared to be whole tablets, fragments of tablets or tablet shells. If this occurs repeatedly, contact your doctor.

Who Should Not Take Asacol

You should not take Asacol if you are allergic to Asacol or to salicylates such as aspirin. Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems or a history of kidney disease. It is recommended that all people have their kidney function tested prior to starting Asacol tablets and periodically while on Asacol therapy. Serious side effects may occur.

If you have questions about taking Asacol, please talk to your doctor and see the accompanying product information.

* As demonstrated by endoscopy in clinical studies.