Rowasa (Mesalamine)

(RX) Prescription Required

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Rowasa 4g/60mL

Product of Canada
Manufactured by: Aptalis Pharma
*Product image for reference use only.
Rowasa is also marketed as Salofalk Enema
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Rowasa 4g/60mL
Product of Canada
Manufactured by Aptalis Pharma
Top Brand Choice
Top Generic Choice

Mesalamine 4g/60mL

Product of India
Manufactured by: Sun Pharmaceuticals Ltd
*Product image for reference use only.
Select Quantity
Mesalamine 4g/60mL
Product of India
Manufactured by Sun Pharmaceuticals Ltd
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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.

PharmD Medical Writer

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.

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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.

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