How to Stop Taking Asacol

Asacol (mesalamine) is a prescription drug used to treat ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease that causes ulcers, bleeding and gastrointestinal disorders. Asacol is usually prescribed for long-term treatment, so patients should not stop taking the drug abruptly. Consulting a physician is recommended before stopping Asacol. The immediate effect of stopping the drug is likely to be a recurrence of ulcerative colitis symptoms.

Instructions

• 1

  Talk with your doctor rather than stop taking Asacol on your own. Your physician may recommend alternative treatments and different medications, while providing medical advice specific to your condition that may help you cope more effectively from the intestinal flare-ups that may occur when you stop taking Asacol.

• 2

  Know that Asacol is formulated not only to treat ulcerative colitis but to reduce the chance of additional intestinal flare-ups. This is why patients often experience adverse symptoms of the disease when they stop taking the medicine.

• 3

  Talk to a doctor immediately about stopping Asacol if you experience any of the known serious side effects of the drug: breathing difficulties, rash and hives, chills, high fever and jaundice, which is yellowing skin and a possible indication of liver damage.