Rowasa
(mesalamine)
Treats mild to moderate ulcerative colitis.
Our bottom line
Rowasa (mesalamine) effectively relieves symptoms of mild to moderate ulcerative colitis, but can only be used rectally so it only works on a small part of your intestines.
- Drug class: Gastrointestinal
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Upsides
- Rowasa (mesalamine) is the first-choice treatment for disease at the far end of the colon.
- Topical therapies, like enemas, provide a quicker response time than oral forms.
- Rowasa (mesalamine) is only used once a day at bedtime.
- Better tolerated and less side effects compared to the oral forms.
- Available in a sulfite-free form, sfRowasa, for people who have a sulfite allergy.
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What to expect from Rowasa, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- Must keep the suspension in your rectum as long as you can (up to 8 hours).
- Need to use Rowasa (mesalamine) for 3 to 6 weeks when treating disease.
- Combination therapy with oral and rectal forms may be needed for some people.
- Rowasa (mesalamine) can stain fabric, flooring, painted surfaces, marble, granite, vinyl, and enamel.
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What to expect from Rowasa, on one page
Download Fact SheetRowasa (mesalamine) is an anti-inflammatory medicine. It works to lower the body's natural inflammatory signals, which reduces swelling and irritation within your intestines.
- Drug class: Gastrointestinal
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Used for
Dosage forms
- Enema
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.
What to expect when you take Rowasa (mesalamine) for Ulcerative colitis and rectum inflammation
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Abdominal pain, cramps, or discomfort
- Headache
- Gas
- Nausea
- Flu
- Tiredness
Side effect rates for Rowasa (mesalamine)
- Abdominal pain, cramps, or discomfort8%8%8%8%
- Headache7%7%13%13%
- Gas6%6%4%4%
- Nausea6%6%9%9%
- Flu5%5%1%1%
- Tiredness3%3%6%6%
- Fever3%3%
- Rash3%3%3%3%
- Cold/sore throat2%2%7%7%
- Diarrhea2%2%4%4%
- Leg/joint pain2%2%1%1%
- Dizziness2%2%2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Rowasa.
People taking Rowasa felt side effect more
People taking Rowasa felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Rowasa (mesalamine)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.Rowasa (mesalamine) contains metabisulfite salts that may cause severe allergic reactions in patients with sulfite allergies. These reactions can make it difficult to breathe or can cause a severe rash that can be life-threatening. There is a formulation of Rowasa (mesalamine) available that doesn't contain these salts. Stop taking Rowasa (mesalamine) and report any skin rash, fever, swelling, or trouble breathing to a doctor right away.
Common concerns from people taking Rowasa (mesalamine)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Choose a suitable location for administration, since Rowasa (mesalamine) can stain fabric, flooring, painted surfaces, marble, granite, vinyl, and enamel.
- Rowasa (mesalamine) can stain fabric, flooring, painted surfaces, marble, granite, vinyl, and enamel.