Side effects of mesalazine

Side effects of mesalazine can vary depending on the type (such as tablets or granules), and the size of your dose. Check the leaflet that comes with your medicine before taking or using.

These common side effects happen in more than 1 in 100 people. There are things you can do to help cope with them:

Try not to eat foods that cause wind (like lentils, peas, beans and onions). Eat smaller meals, and eat and drink slowly.

Putting a heat pad or covered hot water bottle on your stomach may help the pain. Contact a doctor if the pain is severe or does not go away.

Stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food. Check the instructions that come with your medicine to see if you can take it after you've eaten. If you're being sick, try having small, frequent sips of water or squash to avoid dehydration. Do not take any other medicines to treat vomiting without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.

If you take the combined contraceptive pill or the progestogen-only pill and you’re being sick, your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet for advice.

Drink plenty of fluids, such as water or squash, to avoid dehydration. Speak to a pharmacist if you have signs of dehydration such as peeing less than usual or having dark strong-smelling pee. Do not take any other medicines to treat diarrhoea without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.
If you take the combined contraceptive pill or the progestogen-only pill and you have severe, watery diarrhoea or any diarrhoea that lasts for more than 24 hours, your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet for advice.

Drink plenty of water and ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. Tell your doctor if the aches continue despite taking painkillers or if they last for more than a few days.

Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if this advice on how to cope does not help and a side effect is still bothering you or does not go away.