Dipentum

Uses of Dipentum

Dipentum is used to treat a certain type of bowel disease called ulcerative colitis. It does not cure ulcerative colitis, but it may decrease symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding caused by irritation/swelling of the colon/rectum. After an attack is treated, olsalazine is used to increase the amount of time between attacks.Dipentum is an aminosalicylate anti-inflammatory drug. It is believed to work by blocking the production of certain natural substances (such as prostaglandins) that may cause pain and swelling.

Precautions and Warnings

You should not use Dipentum if you are allergic to Dipentum, balsalazide, mesalamine, or sulfasalazine, or to salicylates such as aspirin, Novasal, Doan’s Extra Strength, Salflex, Tricosal, and others.

Your treatment with Dipentum may be delayed if you have received a chickenpox vaccine (varicella, Varivax) within the past 6 weeks.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease;
• kidney disease; or
• a skin disorder such as eczema or atopic dermatitis.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while using Dipentum.

Dosage

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Dipentum is usually taken twice per day.

Always take this medicine with food.

Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking Dipentum to keep your kidneys working properly.

Side Effects

Common side effects:

• headache,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• heartburn,
• stomach discomfort,
• loss of appetite,
• skin rash,
• itching, muscle or
• joint pain, or
• urinating more often than usual