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Olsalazina para la colitis ulcerosa

Take olsalazine tablets or capsules with a meal or after a snack.

It is important that you keep your regular appointments with your doctor so that your progress can be checked. You will need to have regular blood tests.

Common side-effects tend to be minor, but on occasions, olsalazine can cause more serious problems. You should tell your doctor immediately if you have any unexplained bleeding, bruising, red or purple discolorations of your skin, a sore throat, a high temperature (fever) or you feel generally unwell.

At a glance

  • Olsalazine is a medicine used to treat ulcerative colitis in adults and children over 12.

  • It helps to reduce inflammation in the large intestine and prevent flare-ups of symptoms.

  • Take olsalazine with or after food to help minimise side-effects.

  • Common side-effects include diarrhoea, feeling sick, and indigestion.

  • See your doctor immediately if you have breathing difficulties, swelling, or unexplained bleeding.

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About olsalazine

Tipo de medicamento

Aminosalicylate

Usado para

Ulcerative colitis in adults and in children aged over 12 years

Disponible como

Capsules and tablets

Colitis ulcerosa causes inflammation of the large intestine. This can lead to damage to the lining of your intestine (ulceration) and bleeding, and causes symptoms of tummy (abdominal) pain and diarrhoea.

Although it is not clear exactly how olsalazine works, it is thought to act on the cells which line your intestine to change the way they make and release certain chemicals. These chemicals are thought to be a factor in causing the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Olsalazine allows the damaged areas of your intestine to recover, and then helps to prevent your symptoms from flaring up again.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking olsalazine it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • Si estás embarazada, intentando tener un bebé o amamantando.

  • Si tienes algún problema con el funcionamiento de tus riñones.

  • If you have asthma and/or experience severe allergies.

  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine. It is particularly important that you tell your doctor if you have had an unusual reaction to aspirin or to any other salicylate medicine.

  • Si está tomando o usando otros medicamentos. Esto incluye cualquier medicamento que esté tomando y que esté disponible para comprar sin receta, así como medicamentos herbales y complementarios.

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  • Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. The manufacturer's leaflet will give you more information about olsalazine and a full list of side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

  • Take olsalazine exactly as your doctor tells you to. He or she will tell you how many tablets/capsules to take for each dose, and when to take them.

  • Your dose may be increased over the first few weeks to make sure that you are taking a dose that best controls your symptoms.

  • Your dose may be reduced again once your symptoms have improved.

  • It is likely that you will be asked to take olsalazine twice each day, usually morning and evening. Some people may be asked to take it three times each day for a short while. The directions will be printed on the label of your pack to remind you.

  • Take olsalazine tablets or capsules with a drink of water during a meal, or straightaway after a meal. Taking olsalazine with or after food will help to keep side-effects, like diarrhoea, to a minimum.

  • If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless your next dose is due. If when you remember it is nearly time for your next dose, then leave out the forgotten dose but remember to take your next dose when it is due. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

  • Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor and clinic. This is so your doctor can check on your progress. Your doctor will want you to have regular blood tests during this treatment.

  • Treatment with olsalazine may be long-term in order to prevent your symptoms from flaring up from time to time. Continue to take it unless you are advised otherwise by your doctor.

  • Your doctor may advise you make some changes to your diet as part of your treatment. This may include a special diet or a nutritional supplement.

  • If you have an allergic condition, such as asthma, you should let your doctor know straightaway if you find your allergic symptoms get worse. If this happens, your doctor may want to review your treatment or will arrange to see you more often to keep an eye on your progress.

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Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with olsalazine. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Common olsalazine side-effects - these affect fewer than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine


¿Qué puedo hacer si experimento esto?

Diarrea

Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids. Make sure you take olsalazine after meals

Sentirse enfermo (náuseas) o estar enfermo (vómitos), indigestión, dolor de estómago (abdominal)

Mantente en alimentos simples - evita comidas ricas o picantes

Headache, joint or muscle pain

Drink plenty of water and ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. If the pain continues, speak with your doctor

Importante: olsalazine can sometimes cause allergic reactions or problems with your blood cells. You should contact your doctor immediately if:

  • You have any difficulty in breathing, or any swelling of your face or tongue.

  • You have any unexplained bleeding, bruising, red or purple discolorations on your skin, a sore throat, a high temperature (fever), or if you feel generally unwell during this treatment.

Si experimenta otros síntomas que cree que pueden deberse a este medicamento, hable con su médico o farmacéutico.

  • Mantenga todos los medicamentos fuera del alcance y la vista de los niños.

  • Almacenar en un lugar fresco y seco, lejos del calor y la luz directos.

Información importante sobre todos los medicamentos

Si compras algún medicamento, consulta con un farmacéutico que sea seguro tomarlo junto con tus otros medicamentos.

Nunca tome más de la dosis prescrita. Si sospecha que usted u otra persona podría haber tomado una sobredosis de este medicamento, acuda al departamento de accidentes y emergencias de su hospital local. Lleve el envase con usted, incluso si está vacío.

Si vas a someterte a una operación o tratamiento dental, informa a la persona que realiza el tratamiento sobre los medicamentos que estás tomando.

Este medicamento es para ti. Nunca lo des a otras personas, incluso si su condición parece ser la misma que la tuya.

No guardes medicamentos caducados o no deseados. Llévalos a tu farmacia local, que se encargará de desecharlos por ti.

Si tienes alguna pregunta sobre este medicamento, consulta a tu farmacéutico.

Informar efectos secundarios de un medicamento o vacuna

Si experimenta efectos secundarios, puede reportarlos en línea a través de Yellow Card website.

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Verifica posibles interacciones entre medicamentos, suplementos y alimentos antes de tomarlos juntos.

Preguntas frecuentes

What is ulcerative colitis and how does olsalazine help?

Ulcerative colitis is a condition that causes inflammation in your large intestine, which can lead to ulcers and bleeding. Symptoms include abdominal pain and diarrhoea. While the exact mechanism isn't fully understood, olsalazine is believed to work by changing how cells lining the intestine produce and release chemicals linked to these symptoms, helping damaged areas heal and preventing flare-ups.

Are there any specific conditions or medications I should discuss with my doctor before starting olsalazine?

Yes, it's important to inform your doctor or pharmacist about several things. This includes if you are pregnant, trying for a baby, or breastfeeding, if you have kidney problems, asthma, severe allergies, or if you've ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine, especially aspirin or other salicylate medicines. You should also mention all other medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter, herbal, and complementary medicines.

What should I do if I forget to take a dose of olsalazine?

If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and simply take your next dose when it's due. Do not take two doses at once to make up for a forgotten one.

How often will I need to see my doctor while taking olsalazine?

You should try to attend all your regular appointments with your doctor and clinic. This allows your doctor to monitor your progress and ensure the treatment is working effectively. You will also need to have regular blood tests during your treatment with olsalazine.

Can olsalazine affect my diet?

Your doctor might recommend some dietary changes as part of your overall treatment plan. This could include a special diet or the use of nutritional supplements to support your health while taking olsalazine.

What should I do if I have an allergic condition like asthma and my symptoms worsen while on olsalazine?

If you have an allergic condition, such as asthma, and you notice your allergic symptoms getting worse, you should inform your doctor immediately. They may need to review your treatment plan or arrange to see you more frequently to monitor your progress closely.

What are some common mild side-effects of olsalazine and how can I manage them?

Common mild side-effects, affecting fewer than 1 in 10 people, include diarrhoea, feeling sick or being sick, indigestion, tummy pain, headache, and joint or muscle pain. For diarrhoea, drink plenty of water and ensure you take your medicine after meals. For nausea/vomiting, indigestion, or tummy pain, stick to simple foods away from rich or spicy meals. For headaches or joint/muscle pain, drink plenty of water and your pharmacist can advise on a suitable painkiller. These side-effects often improve as your body adjusts.

When should I contact my doctor urgently about a side-effect from olsalazine?

You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience difficulty breathing, swelling of your face or tongue, or any unexplained bleeding, bruising, red or purple skin discolourations, a sore throat, a high temperature (fever), or if you generally feel unwell during treatment. These could be signs of more serious issues like allergic reactions or problems with your blood cells.

Lecturas adicionales y referencias

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About the authorView full bio

Author image

Michael Stewart, MRPharmS

Medicine Leaflet Review Manager – Contractor, Pharmacist

BPharm (Hons), MRPharmS

Michael is a community pharmacist practicing in the Midlands and South Yorkshire with more than 20 years’ experience advising on medicines and medical conditions. He has a strong background in healthcare training, having produced and delivered training courses for pharmacy teams and staff of residential care settings, including nurses. He has also contributed to pharmacy advisory boards for the management of low acuity conditions in the community.

About the reviewer

Author image

Sid Dajani

Sultan Dajani qualified at the London School of Pharmacy in 1994 and became the youngest elected member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society council since its founding in 1842.

Historial del artículo

La información en esta página está escrita y revisada por pares por clínicos calificados.

  • Next review due: 17 Sept 2027
  • 18 Mar 2023 | Última versión

    Última actualización por

    Michael Stewart, MRPharmS

    Revisado por pares por

    Sid Dajani
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