Balsalazide - oral

Balsalazide is used to treat ulcerative colitis (inflammation of the large intestines).

Take Balsalazide exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

Take Balsalazide with or without food. Swallow the capsules whole with a glass of water or may be opened and sprinkled on applesauce or food. The applesauce mixture maybe chewed and should be swallowed immediately. Do not store mixture for later use. Try to take it at the same time each day.

Balsalazide must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking Balsalazide even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Alert your doctor if you have allergy to medicines similar to Balsalazide, such as salicylates (e.g. aspirin) as Balsalazide may not be suitable for you.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

- blood disorders
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- stomach ulcers
- asthma

Let you doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

You may need to have regular blood tests to make sure that your blood counts, kidney and liver function are normal while you are being treated with Balsalazide. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these blood tests.

This medicine may cause any of the following side effects: diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, stomach wind, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint pain.

Some side effects may be serious, although they are not common. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience:

- fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers, unusual bruising or bleeding
- yellowing of the skin, eyes, pain near the stomach area
- persistent bloody diarrhoea, severe abdominal pain

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

- heart medicines e.g. digoxin
- medicines used in organ transplant or certain immune diseases e.g. azathioprine, mercaptopurine , methotrexate

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Balsalazide.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.