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CANASA®
(Mesalamine, USP) Rectal Suppositories 1000 mg

Read this information carefully before you begin treatment. Also, read the information you get whenever you get more medicine. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or your treatment. If you have any questions about this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

What is CANASA® (mesalamine) ?

CANASA® (mesalamine) (can-AH-sah) is a medicine used to treat ulcerative proctitis (ulcerative rectal colitis). CANASA® (mesalamine) works inside your rectum (lower intestine) to help reduce bleeding, mucous and bloody diarrhea caused by inflammation (swelling and soreness) of the rectal area. You use CANASA® (mesalamine) by inserting it into your rectum.

Who should not use CANASA® (mesalamine) ?

Do not use CANASA (mesalamine) ® if you are allergic to the active ingredient mesalamine (also found in drugs such as Rowasa, Asacol, Pentasa, Azulfidine, and Dipentum), if you are allergic to the inactive ingredients, or if you have had any unusual reaction to the ingredients. Tell your doctor if you:

•  Have kidney problems. Using CANASA® (mesalamine) may make them worse.
•  Have had inflamed pancreas (pancreatitis).
•  Are pregnant. You and your doctor will decide if you should use CANASA® (mesalamine) .
•  Have ever had pericarditis (inflamed sac around your heart).
•  Are allergic to sulfasalazine. You may need to watch for signs of an allergic reaction to CANASA® (mesalamine) .
•  Are allergic to aspirin.
•  Are allergic to other things, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

How should I use CANASA® (mesalamine) ?

Follow your doctor's instructions about how often to use CANASA® (mesalamine) and how long to use it. For the 1000 mg suppository, the usual dose is one suppository at bedtime for 3-6 weeks. We do not know if CANASA® (mesalamine) will work for children or is safe for them. Follow these steps to use CANASA® (mesalamine) :

1.  For best results, empty your rectum (have a bowel movement) just before using CANASA® (mesalamine) .
2.  Detach one CANASA® (mesalamine) suppository from the strip of suppositories.
3.  Hold the suppository upright and carefully peel open the plastic at the pre-cut line to take out the suppository.
4.  Insert the suppository with the pointed end first completely into your rectum, using gentle pressure.
5.  For best results, keep the suppository in your rectum for 3 hours or longer, if possible.

If you have trouble inserting CANASA® (mesalamine) , you may put a little bit of lubricating gel on the suppository.

Do not handle the suppository too much, since it may begin to melt from the heat from your hands and body.

If you miss a dose of CANASA® (mesalamine) , use it as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for next dose. Do not use two CANASA® (mesalamine) suppositories at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

Keep using CANASA® (mesalamine) as long as your doctor tells you to use it, even if you feel better. CANASA® (mesalamine) can cause stains on things it touches. Therefore keep it away from clothing and other fabrics, flooring, painted surfaces, marble, granite, plastics, and enamel. Be careful since CANASA® (mesalamine) may stain clothing.

What should I avoid while taking CANASA® (mesalamine) ?

Do not breast feed while using CANASA® (mesalamine) . We do not know if CANASA® (mesalamine) can pass through the milk and harm the baby. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while using CANASA® (mesalamine) .

What are the possible side effects of CANASA® (mesalamine) ?

• The most common side effects of CANASA® (mesalamine) are: headache, gas or flatulence, and diarrhea. These events also occurred when patients were given an inactive suppository.
• Less common, but possibly serious side effects include a reaction to the medicine (acute intolerance syndrome) that includes cramps, sharp abdominal (stomach area) pain, bloody diarrhea, and sometimes fever, headache and rash. Stop use and tell your doctor right away if you get any of these symptoms.
• In rare cases, the sac around the heart may become inflamed (pericarditis). Tell your doctor right away if you develop chest pain or shortness of breath, which are signs of this problem.
• In rare cases, patients using CANASA® (mesalamine) develop worsening colitis (pancolitis).
• A very few patients using CANASA® (mesalamine) may have mild hair loss.
• Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients.

If you notice any other side effects, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

How should I store CANASA® (mesalamine) ?

Store CANASA® (mesalamine) below 25°C (77°F), do not freeze it. Keep it away from direct heat, light, or humidity. Keep it out of the reach of children.

General advice about prescription medicines

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for conditions that are not mentioned in patient information leaflets. Do not use CANASA® (mesalamine) for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give CANASA® (mesalamine) to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

This leaflet summarizes the most important information about CANASA® (mesalamine) . If you would like more information, talk with your doctor. You can ask your pharmacist or doctor for information about CANASA® (mesalamine) that is written for health professionals.

Last reviewed on RxList: 5/12/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.