Rowasa ratings & reviews

Rowasa is a rectal suspension enema containing the active ingredient mesalamine (5-aminosalicylic acid). It belongs to a drug class known as salicylates and is supplied in a 60 mL disposable unit with 4 grams of mesalamine. Key inactive ingredients include carbomer 974P, edetate disodium, and xanthan gum, with sodium benzoate added as a preservative. Rowasa is intended for rectal administration.

How should I use this medication?

This medication is for rectal use only. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash your hands before and after use. Shake well before using. Lie on your left side, extend the left leg and pull the right leg up towards your chest or pull both knees toward the chest. Take off the applicator tip cover and place the applicator tip gently into the rectum. Pointing the tip toward your stomach, squeeze the bottle steadily. Stay in position for at least 30 minutes to allow the medication to spread inside. For best results, use this medication before bedtime and after you have had a bowel movement. Try keeping the suspension in the rectum for 8 hours. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not stop taking except on your care team's advice.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unopened, unused medication after the expiration date.

Once the foil-wrapped unit of seven bottles is opened, any bottles remaining after 14 days should be thrown away. This medication may darken after opening the foil pouch. Slight darkening is okay. However, any medication with dark brown contents should be thrown away.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Dry cough, shortness of breath or trouble breathing
• Heart muscle inflammation—unusual weakness or fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands
• Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
• Kidney stones—blood in the urine, pain or trouble passing urine, pain in the lower back or sides
• Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Mesalamine intolerance syndrome—stomach pain or cramping, bloody diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, muscle pain, fever, rash
• Rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes
• Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Nausea
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sensitivity to light
• Sore throat
• Stomach pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to mesalamine, aspirin, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions are not expected.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

You may need blood work while you are taking this medication.

Drink plenty of water while taking this medication. It is important to stay hydrated.

This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps, tanning beds, or tanning booths.

This medication may stain clothing and other fabrics, flooring, painted surfaces, marble, granite, vinyl, and enamel.

This medication may cause your urine to look reddish-brown when it comes into contact with surfaces or water treated with bleach. If you notice a change in color, observe your urine flow. Call your care team if the urine is reddish-brown when it leaves your body, before it contacts the surface or water in the toilet.