Olsalazine - Oral

Olsalazine is used to treat ulcerative colitis (a disease that causes inflammation and sores in the linings of the large intestine and rectum).

Take Olsalazine 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 this medicine together with food or immediately after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition and response to the medication.

Olsalazine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine 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.

Do not take Olsalazine if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or similar medicines such aspirin or other salicylates.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• asthma
• atopic dermatitis or eczema (a skin condition characterised by patches of red and itchy skin)
• liver disease
• kidney disease or history of kidney disease

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Olsalazine to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.

If you are going to have certain laboratory tests (e.g. urinary test for normetanephrine levels), inform your doctor that you are taking this medicine.

While you are being treated with Olsalazine, make sure to drink an adequate amount of water or other fluids to minimise the risk of kidney stone formation.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

• Routine tests (e.g. liver or kidney function, complete blood count) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
• Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of allergic reaction and intolerance reaction (e.g. headache, fever, rash, abdominal pain, cramping, bloody diarrhoea) may also be needed.

Olsalazine may cause any of the following side effects: diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, indigestion, headache, dizziness, muscle or joint pain, rash, and hair loss.

This medicine may also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Apply sunscreen when going outdoors and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV lamps.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
• rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth, or eyes accompanied by fever
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• frequent sore throat, mouth sores, fever, chills or sweating
• chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat
• new or worsening stomach pain or cramps, bloody stools
• yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
• signs and symptoms of kidney stone e.g. belly pain, severe side or back pain, blood in the urine
• signs and symptoms of kidney problem e.g. change in how much urine is passed, pain or difficulty in passing urine, blood in the urine

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:

• azathioprine (medicine used in certain immune disorders)
• medicines for cancer e.g. tioguanine, mercaptopurine
• blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin, heparin
• NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation)

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

Avoid vaccination with varicella vaccine during treatment with this medicine. Alert your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated or if you are planning to get vaccinated.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, 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.