Sign inBefore taking olsalazine
Before taking olsalazine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you have liver or kidney problems.
- If you have ever had a severe allergy or asthma.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine. This is particularly important if you have had an unusual reaction to a sulphonamide antibiotic, aspirin or salicylate.
- If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
How to take olsalazine
- Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Take olsalazine exactly as your doctor has told you.
- It is preferable to take olsalazine with or after meals.
- If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so that your progress can be checked. If your symptoms do not improve, let your doctor know.
- It is important for you to follow any dietary or life-style advice you have been given, such as which foods to eat, drinking plenty of water and stopping smoking.
Can olsalazine cause problems?
Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.
| Side-effects | What can I do if I experience this |
| Diarrhoea, abdominal pain | Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids. Diarrhoea frequently improves over several days and may be reduced if olsalazine is taken at the end of a meal |
| Feeling or being sick, indigestion | Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods |
| Headache | Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. If the headaches continue, speak with your doctor |
- Any unusual bleeding or bruising, sore throat, a high temperature or if you generally feel unwell.
- An allergic reaction such as swelling of the face, tongue, or mouth.
- A severe skin rash.
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store olsalazine
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light
Important information about all medicines
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Dipentum® 250mg Capsules, UCB Pharma Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated March 2008, accessed November 2010.
- Manufacturer's PIL, Dipentum® 500mg Tablets, UCB Pharma Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated March 2008, accessed November 2010.
- British National Formulary; 60th Edition (September 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)