Asacol (Mesalamine (5ASA))

Name: Asacol
Brand: Brand
SKU: 0113
Availability: InStock

Type

Product

Manufacturer

Country

Dosage

Qty-Price (USD)

Type:

Product: Asacol

Manufacturer: Brand

Country: New Zealand

Dosage: 400 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Asacol (Octasa - Delayed Release Tablet)

Manufacturer: Tillotts Pharma

Country: Canada

Dosage: 800 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Asacol (Octasa-Delayed Release Tablet)

Manufacturer: Tillotts Pharma

Country: Canada

Dosage: 800 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Asacol (Octasa-Delayed Release Tablet)

Manufacturer: Tillotts Pharma

Country: Canada

Dosage: 1600 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Generic Equivalent of Asacol

Type

Product

Manufacturer

Country

Dosage

Qty-Price (USD)

Type:

Product: Mesalamine (5ASA)

Manufacturer: Generic

Country: Canada

Dosage: 400 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Mesalamine (5ASA) (ON BACKORDER)

Manufacturer: Generic

Country: India

Dosage: 400 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Mesalamine (5ASA) (Mesacol-Sun Pharma)

Manufacturer: Generic

Country: India

Dosage: 800 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Mesalamine (5ASA) Mesalamine-DR by SAVA Healthcare

Manufacturer: Generic

Country: India

Dosage: 800 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Mesalamine (5ASA)

Manufacturer: Generic

Country: India

Dosage: 1200 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Asacol Information

medically reviewed by Carol Hou (BSc. Pharm) on September 10, 2025.

A licensed pharmacist (Licensed Community Pharmacies Directory | College of Pharmacists of British Columbia) with over 20 years of experience in medication management, specifically medication safety, she has reviewed the information for accuracy and completeness.

Asacol and Mesalamine at CanadaPharmacyOnline.com

In Canada, Tillotts Pharma manufactures and markets Octasa, a medication that is a therapeutic equivalent to the original brand-name Asacol. The brand name Asacol is still available in other countries, including New Zealand.

Generic mesalamine is sourced from manufacturers that meet applicable regulatory standards. The specific manufacturer of your dispensed medication may vary.

Important Information about Generic Asacol:

Generic mesalamine contains the same active ingredient as the brand-name Asacol and is required to meet the same safety, effectiveness, and quality standards as the brand-name product. This means it's designed to work in the same way as mesalamine. Studies have demonstrated bioequivalence between generic and brand-name mesalamine, meaning they have comparable absorption rates and overall effects. However, individual responses to any medication can vary. If you have any questions about using generic mesalamine, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

For more information about generic drug approval and bioequivalence, please visit Access to Generic Drugs in Canada | Canada.ca.

Dosage

Asacol and Octasa are both delayed-release tablets; they are available in the following strengths (at this pharmacy):
• Asacol is available in 400 mg
• Octasa is available in 800 mg and 1600 mg

Generic mesalamine tablets are also available in delayed-release formulations. Common generic strengths include:
• 400 mg
• 800 mg
• 1200 mg

Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose based on your individual needs and medical history.

Usage

Asacol (mesalamine) is a prescription medication used to treat and maintain remission of mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. It works to reduce inflammation in the lining of the colon and rectum.

Mechanism of Action
Mesalamine, also known as 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), is an anti-inflammatory medication. The exact mechanism of action is not fully understood. However, it is believed to work topically at the site of inflammation in the bowel. It is thought to:
• Act as an antioxidant: It may scavenge free radicals, which are known to contribute to tissue damage and inflammation.
• Inhibit specific immune cells: It may inhibit the function of certain immune cells that contribute to the inflammatory response. The delayed-release tablets are designed to pass through the stomach and small intestine, releasing the active ingredient directly in the colon for its localized effect.
• Modulate inflammatory mediators: It reduces the production of inflammatory substances in the colon, such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which are key drivers of inflammation in ulcerative colitis.

Take Asacol exactly as your doctor prescribes, following the instructions in the product monograph in Canada. Consult your doctor for personalized guidance and safe use.

The information below summarizes some, but not all, potential side effects, risks, and interactions. Before taking Asacol, it is essential to discuss all possible side effects, risks, and interactions with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects

The information below is a partial list of side effects; individual reactions can vary. Before starting Asacol, it is crucial to discuss potential side effects and risks with your doctor or pharmacist.

Common Side Effects - The following are some common side effects of Asacol; other side effects may also occur. Contact your doctor promptly if any side effects persist, worsen, or concern you, or if you experience any other concerning symptoms.
• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Flatulence (gas)
• Headache
• Joint or muscle pain
• Nasopharyngitis (common cold symptoms)
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rash

Serious Side Effects - These are rare but potentially severe side effects. Seek immediate medical attention or call emergency services if you experience any of the following:
• Acute Intolerance Syndrome: A reaction that can mimic a flare-up of ulcerative colitis, characterized by abdominal pain, cramping, bloody diarrhea, fever, headache, and rash.
• Blood Disorders: Rarely, mesalamine can cause blood abnormalities. Symptoms may include easy bruising, unusual bleeding, or persistent fever and sore throat.
• Kidney Problems: Including interstitial nephritis and renal failure. Symptoms may include decreased urination, swelling, nausea, or fatigue.
• Liver Problems: Symptoms such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), dark urine, or unusual fatigue.
• Severe Allergic Reactions: Symptoms such as rash, hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Contraindications

The following is not an exhaustive list of contraindications. Before starting Asacol, it is crucial to discuss all your medical conditions, past and present, and all medications you are taking with your doctor or pharmacist.

Asacol should not be used if:
• You are allergic to mesalamine, salicylates (such as aspirin), or any of the ingredients in the medication.
• You have a gastric or duodenal ulcer.
• You have a history of severe kidney or liver impairment.
• You have a urinary tract obstruction.

Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, past and present, before starting Asacol. This is crucial because certain conditions affect whether Asacol is right for you. These conditions may include, but are not limited to:
• A history of kidney or liver disease
• A history of stomach or intestinal blockage
• Asthma or other pulmonary diseases
• Skin conditions like atopic dermatitis or eczema

Drug Interactions

Before taking Asacol, it is essential to discuss all potential risks and interactions with your doctor or pharmacist. For complete and up-to-date information, please visit the Details for Asacol – Drug and Health Product Portal at https://dhpp.hpfb-dgpsa.ca/dhpp/resource/14552.

Provide your doctor with a complete list of all your medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Asacol may interact with other medicines, but is not limited to:
• Azathioprine or Mercaptopurine: When used with mesalamine, these medications can increase the risk of blood disorders.
• Digoxin: Mesalamine may reduce the absorption of digoxin.
• NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) may increase the risk of kidney problems when used with Asacol.
• Oral Anticoagulants: Asacol may enhance the effect of anticoagulants like warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Asacol should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Small amounts of mesalamine are found in breast milk. Caution should be exercised when administering Asacol to a nursing woman, and infants should be monitored for changes in stool consistency.

Use in the Elderly

The safety and efficacy of Asacol in individuals aged 65 years and older have not been systematically evaluated. Caution may be warranted due to a higher risk of kidney problems in this age group.

Use in Children

Asacol is not approved for use in children under two years of age. Use in older children is based on weight and is determined by a doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions about Asacol at Canada Pharmacy Online:

Why is Asacol more affordable in Canada than in the United States?

Prescription drug prices, including Asacol, are generally lower in Canada than in the US due to a combination of factors, primarily government price regulations, differing market dynamics, and other economic considerations. In Canada, provincial and federal governments negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical companies, which often results in lower costs compared to the US, where market forces play a more significant role. For more information, see the FAQs on Prescription Drug Importation from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF): https://www.kff.org/health-costs/issue-brief/faqs-on-prescription-drug-importation/.

How much is the shipping?

Our shipping fee is a flat rate of $10.00 per order. Our pharmacy is dedicated to offering you the lowest prices on high-quality products.

How do I place an order with your pharmacy?

Ordering from us is very simple. You can purchase online or call Customer Service at 1866.920.3784; for more information or to learn about the ordering process, visit our How to Order page.

Is there a limit on the number of tablets I can order at one time?

CanadaPharmacyOnline.com can only dispense a maximum of a three-month supply of Asacol at a time, as per your doctor's prescription.

Can I buy over the counter from you?

No, Asacol requires a valid prescription from your doctor. We do not sell this product without a valid prescription.

Do you ship to the United States?

Yes, we do. It usually takes 7 to 18 business days to receive your order from our pharmacy.

What is the best time to take Asacol?

Asacol should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually with or without food. It is important to swallow the tablets whole and not to chew, crush, or break them, as this will destroy the special coating that allows the medication to work correctly.

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The information on this page is sourced from independent third parties contracted by CanadaPharmacyOnline. While we cannot guarantee its medical accuracy, we strongly recommend consulting a healthcare professional for personalized advice regarding medications or medical conditions.

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