Dipentum (Olsalazine)

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to DIPENTUM or to salicylates such as aspirin, Novasal, Doan's Extra Strength, Salflex, Tricosal, and others.

Before taking DIPENTUM, tell your doctor if you have asthma or other allergies, kidney disease, or liver disease.

Call your doctor at once if your colitis symptoms get worse, or if you have chest pain, shortness of breath, fast or pounding heartbeats, nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to DIPENTUM or to salicylates such as aspirin, Novasal, Doan's Extra Strength, Salflex, Tricosal, and others.

Before taking DIPENTUM, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• asthma or other allergies;
• kidney disease; or
• liver disease.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take DIPENTUM.

This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

DIPENTUM can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using DIPENTUM and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• worsening colitis (fever, stomach pain, cramping, or bloody diarrhea);
• chest pain, shortness of breath, fast or pounding heartbeats; or
• nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild stomach discomfort;
• nausea, heartburn;
• skin rash, itching;
• headache;
• muscle or joint pain; or
• urinating more often than usual.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are using DIPENTUM.

Avoid getting a varicella (chickenpox) vaccine within 6 weeks after you stop taking DIPENTUM.

The following drugs can interact with DIPENTUM. Tell your doctor if you are using any of these:

• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);
• thioguanine; or
• mercaptopurine (Purinethol).

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take DIPENTUM with a full glass of water.

Store DIPENTUM at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.