Rowasa (Mesalamine)
Medication information written by Dr. Larisa Roybal, PharmD
Updated - April 3, 2021
Rowasa (Mesalamine) Medication Information
Uses
Rowasa is a 5-Aminosalicylic acid derivative that is used to treat mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis, proctitis, and proctosigmoiditis.
Dosage
Rowasa is available as a rectal suspension enema that contains 4.0 grams of mesalamine in 60 mL aqueous suspension.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of Rowasa include:
- headaches
- abdominal pain
- gas/flatulence
- constipation
- nausea
Speak with your doctor for a full list of side effects that apply to you if you are taking Rowasa.
Precautions
Rowasa should be used with caution in patients that are predisposed to pericarditis and myocarditis. Rowasa contains mesalamine and rare occurrences of pericarditis has been seen with the use of mesalamine.
Rowasa should be used with caution in patients with hypersensitivity to sulfasalazine.
Safety and efficacy of Rowasa in breastfeeding women have not been established. Rowasa should not be used while breastfeeding as it is unknown if Rowasa is excreted in human milk.
Interactions
Known drug interactions with Rowasa include medications in the following drug classes; antacids, non steroidal inflammatory agents, heparins, varicella virus-containing vaccines, thiopurine analogs, and cardiac glycosides.
Storage
This medication should be stored 68°F - 77°F and away from moisture.
Pharmacist Tips
- If you experience kidney problems, chest pain, chills, fast heartbeat, live problems, bleeding, or severe loss of strength and energy while using Rowasa, contact your doctor immediately
- Best results are found with Rowasa if Rowasa is administered immediately after your bowel has been emptied.
- Rowasa is known to stain any surfaces that come into direct contact with the medication, keep this in mind during administration and handling of Rowasa.
Mesalamine FAQs
How should I store this medication?
Rowasa should be stored at room temperature and should not be refrigerated or frozen..
How long does it take for Rowasa to work?
Rowasa has been shown to be effective as quickly as 2-4 weeks when administered correctly.
Can Rowasa cause weight gain?
No, Rowasa does not generally cause weight gain. If you notice large weight gain in a small period of time, contact your doctor immediately.
Does Rowasa cause liver damage?
It is rare for Rowasa to cause liver damage. In studies, most cases of liver injury were mild to moderate and diminished once Rowasa was discontinued.
Is Rowasa safe in children and teenagers?
Yes, Rowasa is safe in children and teenagers. However, Rowasa should not be administered to adolescents that are recovering from chickenpox, viral infections, or the flu to prevent Reye’s Syndrome.
Related Drugs
References:
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/019618s023lbl.pdf
Mesalamine. Lexi-Drugs. Hudson, OH: Lexicomp, 2015. http://online.lexi.com/. Updated July 27, 2015. Accessed March 3, 2021.
Author: Dr. Larisa Roybal, PharmD
Dr. Roybal is a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist who has practiced in both ambulatory and acute care settings. Her pharmacy interests include oncology and general inpatient pharmacy.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.