Delzicol: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Warnings - Drugs.com

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# Delzicol

Generic name: mesalamine
Dosage form: oral delayed-release capsule
Drug class: 5-aminosalicylates

Medically reviewed by Nicole France, BPharm. Last updated on May 6, 2022.

## What is Delzicol?

Delzicol (mesalamine) belongs to a class of drugs called aminosalicylates, which are used to treat gut inflammation. It helps to treat and prevent flare-ups of ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune disorder, which means that your own immune system attacks your gut, causing swelling and ulcers in your colon and rectum.

Delzicol reduces the inflammation caused by ulcerative colitis. It's thought its anti-inflammatory action comes from its ability to block the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX) and inhibit prostaglandin production in the colon. COX and prostaglandins (a group of lipids) are both involved in generating an inflammatory response.

Delzicol comes as a delay-release capsule that only dissolves at a PH of 7 or greater, which means that the drug is released directly into the terminal ileum and colon beyond, where it anti-inflammatory action is needed.

Delzicol was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2013. A generic version of Delzicol has subsequently been approved.

## What is Delzicol used for?

Delzicol is a prescription medication used for the:

- Treatment of mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis in patients 5 years of ago and older
- Maintenance of remission in adults with ulcerative colitis

## Who should not take Delzicol?

Do not take Delzicol if you are:

- Allergic to salicylates or aminosalicylates, such as aspirin or medications that contain aspirin.
- Allergic to any of the ingredients of Delzicol. See below for a full list of ingredients in Delzicol.

Delzicol pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (more detail)

## What should I tell my doctor before taking Delzicol?

Before taking Delzicol, tell your doctor if you:

- Have or have had kidney problems
- Are allergic to sulfasalazine
- Have or have had heart-related allergic reactions, such as inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis) or inflammation of the lining of the heart (pericarditis)
- Take any iron-containing supplements
- Have or have had liver problems
- Have or have had a stomach blockage
- Have any other medical conditions

## How should I take Delzicol?

- Take Delzicol delay-release capsules exactly as your doctor tells you to.
- Take Delzicol with or without food.
- Swallow Delzicol capsules whole; do not cut, break, crush or chew.
- For patients who are unable to swallow the Delzicol capsules, the capsules can be opened and the inner tablets swallowed. There are four tablets inside each capsule. Swallow the tablets whole; do not cut, break, crush or chew.
- Drink an adequate amount of fluids with Delzicol.
- Delzicol is available as a 400mg delayed release capsule. Delzicol 400mg capsules have not been shown to be interchangeable or substitutable with one mesalamine delayed-release 800 mg tablet. Do not swap your Delzicol capsules for another mesalamine-containing medication unless instructed to do so by your healthcare professional.

## What should I avoid while taking Delzicol?

Some patients with pre-existing skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis or eczema may be more sensitive to sunlight. These people should avoid sun exposure, wear protective clothing, and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen when outdoors while taking Delzicol.

## Dosing information

- The recommended dose of Delzicol for the treatment of mildly to moderately active Ulcerative Colitis is:
  - Adults: 800 mg (two 400 mg capsules) three times daily for 6 weeks

  - Pediatric Patients 5 years or older: See weight-based dosing table below; twice daily dosing for 6 weeks.
    Pediatric Delzicol Dose by Weight

    Weight (kg) | Daily Dose (mg/kg/day) | Maximum Daily Dose (grams per day) | Morning Dose | Afternoon Dose
    17 to 32 | 36 to 71 | 1.2 | two 400 mg capsules | one 400 mg capsules
    33 to 53 | 37 to 61 | 2 | three 400 mg capsules | two 400 mg capsules
    54 to 90 | 27 to 44 | 2.4 | three 400 mg capsules | three 400 mg capsules

- The recommended dose of Delzicol for maintenance of remission of ulcerative colitis is:
  - Adults: 1.6 grams (four 400 mg capsules) daily, in two to four divided doses.

Importantly, two Delzicol 400 mg capsules have not been shown to be interchangeable or substitutable with one mesalamine delayed-release 800 mg tablet.

See the full prescribing information for further Delzicol dosing information.

Detailed Delzicol dosage information

## What are the side effects of Delzicol?

Delzicol may cause serious side effects, including:

- Kidney Problems. Your doctor may check to see how your kidneys are working before taking Delzicol.
- Acute Intolerance Syndrome and Other Allergic Reactions. Some people who use Delzicol can have allergic-type reactions, including acute intolerance syndrome. Other allergic reactions can cause heart problems, including an inflammation of the sac around the heart (pericarditis), blood problems, and problems with other organs in the body, such as the kidneys, liver, and lungs. When this happens, it is usually in people who have had an allergic reaction to sulfasalazine. Stop using Delzicol and tell your doctor right away if you get any of these symptoms:
  - cramping
  - stomach (abdominal) pain
  - bloody diarrhea
  - fever
  - headache
  - chest pain
  - a decrease in the amount of your urine
  - shortness of breath
  - eye inflammation
  - fatigue
  - rash
- Liver Failure. This can happen in people who have a history of liver problems and have taken other medicines that contain mesalamine. Tell your doctor right away if you get any of these symptoms while using Delzicol:
  - yellowing of your eyes
  - itchy skin
  - feeling very tired
  - flu-like symptoms
  - nausea
  - vomiting
- Serious Skin Reactions. Some people who use Delzicol can have severe skin reactions. Stop using Delzicol and tell your doctor right away if you develop any of the following signs or symptoms of a severe skin reaction, including:
  - blisters or peeling of your skin
  - mouth sores
  - blisters on your lips or around your mouth or eyes
  - high fever
  - flu-like symptoms
  - enlarged lymph nodes
  - skin rash.
- Sun Sensitivity. Delzicol can make your skin sensitive to the sun if you have skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and atopic eczema. Try to limit your time in the sun. You should use sunscreen and wear a hat and clothes that cover your skin if you have to be in the sunlight.
- Kidney Stones. Drink plenty of fluids when using Delzicol to decrease your chance of getting kidney stones. Call your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms:
  - severe pain in your side or your back
  - blood in your urine.

The most common side effects of Delzicol include:

- Adults: belching, stomachache, constipation, dizziness, runny nose, back pain, rash, upset stomach, and flu symptoms.
- Children (5 to 17 years of age): inflammation of the nose and pharynx, headache, stomachache, dizziness, inflammation of the sinuses, rash, cough, diarrhea, tiredness, fever, and increased lipase.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of Delzicol.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

If you are having difficulty paying for your medicine, AbbVie may be able to help. Visit AbbVie.com/myAbbVieAssist to learn more.

Delzicol side effects (more detail)

## Interactions

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Taking Delzicol with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may cause kidney problems. Taking Delzicol with azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine may cause blood problems.

Ask your doctor if you are not sure if you are taking one of these medicines.

Your doctor may do certain tests during treatment with Delzicol to monitor for adverse reactions caused by drug interactions.

Delzicol drug interactions (more detail)

## Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to get pregnant. Talk to your doctor about the risk of taking Delzicol during pregnancy. There is limited information available about the safety of Delzicol during pregnancy. Delzicol should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Delzicol passes into human breast milk. Caution is advised when using Delzicol while you are nursing. Talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby while taking Delzicol.

## Storage

Store Delzicol at room temperature 20° to 25° C (68° to 77° F); excursions are permitted 15° to 30° C (59° to 86° F).

Keep Delzicol and other medications out of reach of children.

## What are the ingredients in Delzicol?

Active ingredient: mesalamine

Inactive ingredients: silicon dioxide, dibutyl sebacate, ferric oxide red, ferric oxide yellow, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, methacrylic acid and methyl methancrylate copolymer (Eudragit S), polyethylene glycol, povidone, sodium starch glycolate type A potato, talc and hypromelloses.

Delzicol is distributed by Allergan USA, Inc. Madison, NJ 07940.

## Popular FAQ

## How long does it take for mesalamine to work?

Research studies looking at patients who received daily oral doses of 4 to 6 grams of mesalamine showed that 80% of patients achieved complete or significant clinical improvement within 4 weeks.

## Is mesalamine an immunosuppressant?

Mesalamine is an antiinflammatory, not an immunosuppressant. It may be one of the first treatments used for ulcerative colitis (UC) to lessen symptoms like diarrhea, rectal bleeding, or stomach pain. Immunosuppression is not a listed side effect for mesalamine. Other medicines used for UC, like prednisone, can suppress the immune system.

## When is the best time to take mesalamine?

The best time to take or use mesalamine will depend on the specific product you are using and why you are using it (ulcerative colitis induction or maintenance, ulcerative proctitis). Some products may need to be taken with food while others are taken on an empty stomach. Check with your doctor.

## What is the maximum dosage of mesalamine?

Mesalamine is available as delayed-release tablets or capsules, extended-release capsules, and rectal preparations like suppositories or enemas. The maximum dose will depend upon the specific product you are using and your diagnosis. Only use the dose prescribed by your doctor.

## How long can you take mesalamine?

Some forms of mesalamine are used long-term as a maintenance therapy in ulcerative colitis to help prevent symptoms from flaring up. Not all forms or brands of mesalamine are used long-term, so check with your doctor about your specific medicine. Call your doctor if your ulcerative colitis symptoms get worse after starting treatment.

## Why is mesalamine so expensive?

Brand name products of mesalamine may be more expensive than generic options. Some, but not all mesalamine products are available as generics. Your insurance should help pay for generics, or if you are paying out-of-pocket, ask your healthcare provider if there is a more affordable option.

## Can I stop taking mesalamine?

Mesalamine is used in some patients with ulcerative colitis as a maintenance (long-term) treatment to help you stay in remission (without active symptoms). Other treatments for ulcerative colitis or proctitis are only taken short-term. Ask your doctor when you can stop taking treatment.

## References

1. National Library of Medicine Delzicol Product Label

## More about Delzicol (mesalamine)

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