Most patients who take Asacol® do not suffer significant side effects. When they do appear, the most common effects are flu-like pains and digestive discomfort. These symptoms include aches in the head and stomach, diarrhea, and vomiting.
A patient may experience milder Asacol® side effects such as headache, weakness, and a stuffy or runny nose. Nausea and vomiting are also possible. Headache and pain in the abdomen and back are other common effects. Digestive issues can include an upset stomach, gas, constipation, or diarrhea.
Though Asacol® side effects don’t tend to be serious, there are some reactions that can be reason for concern. These include a worsening of the most common symptoms, such as pain in the stomach, headache, and difficulty with bowl movements. Stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, a tingling sensation in the extremities, and fever are also serious side effects which should be reported to a doctor.
There are also several extremely rare Asacol® side effects that should receive immediate medical attention. These include severe pain in the stomach and abdomen, continuing feelings of nausea and vomiting, and any indication of an infection. A yellowing of the eyes and skin, difficulty breathing, and dark urine are also serious effects. The most severe, if rare reaction is an allergy to the drug, which could manifest itself in itching, swelling, rash, dizziness, or breathing difficulties.
In some rare incidences, Asacol® side effects can show up as a worsening of symptoms. The drug is typically prescribed to treat the discomfort associated with bowel disease. It is meant to work by decreasing the production of chemicals in the body that cause swelling or pain. When the drug fails to stop this chemical production, taking Asacol® can increase the cramping, stomach pain, headache, and bloody diarrhea associated with bowel disease.
Asacol® is meant to be swallowed whole and pass through to the digestive system intact. It is formulated to dissolve in the digestive tract. In some cases, Asacol® may show up whole or in large pieces in the feces. This indicates that the drug is not being absorbed properly.
There are some precautions that can be taken to lessen the chance of, or avoid entirely, experiencing adverse Asacol® side effects. It is most important to ensure that the prescribing doctor has a complete medical history, so that as many potential complications as possible can be avoided. Special care must be taken with patients who have had conditions such as kidney, pancreas, or liver problems. Asthma and the heart condition known as pericarditis are also cause for extra caution. The drug is not safe for patients who are allergic to medications such as aspirin, sulfasalazine, and olsalazine.