Buy Asacol
Asacol
Asacol Properties
About Asacol
Asacol is a prescription-only medication marketed in Australia for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Its active ingredient, mesalamine, belongs to the 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) class and works locally in the colon to reduce inflammation. The drug is supplied as a 400 mg oral tablet and is intended for adults who need maintenance therapy or induction of remission in mild-to-moderate disease. While its primary goal is to control intestinal inflammation, clinicians may sometimes consider it for other inflammatory bowel conditions when other options are unsuitable.
What is Asacol?
Asacol is a branded formulation of mesalamine, a 5-ASA compound approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for ulcerative colitis in adults. The product was first registered in Australia in 2003 and is manufactured by Ferring Pharmaceuticals, a globally recognised pharmaceutical company. As a controlled (S4) medicine, it requires a physician’s prescription and is not available over the counter. The tablet is designed to release mesalamine throughout the colon, delivering the active agent directly to the inflamed mucosa.
How Asacol Works
Mesalamine exerts its anti-inflammatory effect by several complementary mechanisms:
- Cyclo-oxygenase inhibition - It blocks the COX enzymes that generate prostaglandins, reducing the production of inflammatory mediators.
- Lipoxygenase pathway modulation - By limiting leukotriene synthesis, mesalamine dampens recruitment of neutrophils to the gut wall.
- Free-radical scavenging - The molecule neutralises reactive oxygen species, protecting epithelial cells from oxidative damage.
- NF-κB suppression - Inhibition of this transcription factor curtails the expression of cytokines such as interleukin-1β and tumour necrosis factor-α.
After oral ingestion, Asacol’s pH-dependent coating remains intact through the stomach and proximal small intestine. Once the tablet reaches the terminal ileum (pH ≥ 7), the coating dissolves and releases mesalamine over approximately 12 hours, ensuring a sustained luminal concentration. Peak plasma levels are modest because the drug acts locally; systemic absorption is limited, which accounts for its relatively favourable safety profile.
Why Asacol is Used for Digestive Care Conditions
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Ulcerative colitis - induction of remission The drug’s 5-ASA action directly targets the mucosal inflammation that characterises ulcerative colitis. Clinical trials demonstrate that a dose of 2 g day⁻¹ (e.g., 400 mg tablets taken twice daily) can achieve symptomatic remission in 45-55 % of patients with mild-to-moderate disease. Guideline panels, including the Australian Gastroenterology Society, place mesalamine as first-line therapy for newly diagnosed cases.
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Ulcerative colitis - maintenance of remission Ongoing daily therapy with Asacol maintains mucosal healing and lowers relapse rates to roughly 30 % over one year, compared with 60 % in untreated cohorts. The once-daily or twice-daily regimen fits patients’ lifestyles, supporting adherence.
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Colitis proctitis When inflammation is limited to the rectum, a lower total daily dose (e.g., 800 mg) remains effective. The tablet’s distal release ensures adequate drug exposure even in the distal colon.
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Adjunctive role in pouchitis Some gastroenterologists prescribe mesalamine after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis to prevent inflammation of the newly formed pouch. Evidence is modest but suggests a reduction in pouchitis incidence when used prophylactically.
Compared with systemic steroids, Asacol offers similar efficacy for mild disease while avoiding steroid-related side effects such as weight gain, hypertension, and bone loss. Relative to newer biologics, mesalamine is far less costly and does not require injection or infusion, making it attractive for long-term management in patients who are steroid-responsive.
Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Asacol
Evidence from small randomized trials and observational studies has explored mesalamine in conditions beyond ulcerative colitis:
- Crohn’s disease - Limited data indicate modest benefit in colonic Crohn’s, but the drug is not approved for this indication in Australia.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) - A handful of studies examined low-dose 5-ASA for IBS-diarrhoea, reporting no consistent improvement over placebo.
Off-label use should only be considered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider, given the lack of regulatory endorsement and the availability of more targeted therapies.
Is Asacol Right for You?
Ideal candidates are adults with confirmed ulcerative colitis who require either induction of remission or maintenance therapy. The drug works best when inflammation is confined to the colon and disease activity is mild-to-moderate. Patients with severe disease often need systemic steroids or biologic agents in addition to, or instead of, mesalamine.
Special populations:
- Elderly - The limited systemic absorption makes Asacol a reasonable option, provided renal function is monitored because mesalamine is excreted unchanged in urine.
- Pregnancy - Mesalamine is classified as Category B2 in Australia; animal studies have not shown fetal risk, and limited human data suggest it is safe when the benefits outweigh theoretical risks.
- Renal impairment - Dose reduction or avoidance is advised because accumulation can precipitate nephrotoxicity.
Patients with known hypersensitivity to salicylates, sulfonamides, or any tablet excipients should not use Asacol. Contraindications are listed in the product information and must be reviewed before prescribing.
Taking Asacol Effectively
- Timing - Take the tablet with a full glass of water, preferably after a meal to minimise gastric irritation.
- Food interactions - High-fat meals do not significantly alter absorption, but severe constipation may delay tablet transit and reduce drug delivery to the colon. Maintaining adequate fibre intake can help.
- Missed dose - If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you it is close to the next scheduled dose then skip the missed one and continue schedule. Do not double-dose.
- Travel - Carry the medication in its original packaging, along with a copy of the prescription, to satisfy customs officers. Keep tablets away from extreme temperatures.
- Adherence - Setting a daily alarm or linking the dose to a routine activity (e.g., breakfast) improves consistency, a key factor in preventing relapse.
Understanding Side Effects and How to Manage Them
Common adverse events arise from local irritation of the gastrointestinal mucosa or systemic exposure:
- Abdominal pain, cramping, and nausea - Usually mild and transient; taking the tablet with food often alleviates discomfort.
- Headache - May reflect systemic absorption; hydration and over-the-counter analgesics (paracetamol) are acceptable unless contraindicated.
- Rash or photosensitivity - Rare; if a skin reaction appears, discontinue the drug and seek medical advice promptly.
Serious but uncommon reactions include:
- Renal impairment - Rising serum creatinine may signal mesalamine-related nephrotoxicity. Baseline and periodic renal function tests are recommended, especially in older adults.
- Severe hypersensitivity - Angioedema, bronchospasm, or anaphylaxis requires immediate emergency care and permanent cessation of the product.
Patients should report any new or worsening symptoms to their healthcare provider. Early detection of renal changes often permits dose adjustment rather than full discontinuation.
Buying Asacol from Our Online Pharmacy
Purchasing prescription medication online can be daunting, but our service streamlines the process while maintaining the highest safety standards.
Why Choose Our Service?
- We source Asacol from licensed Australian wholesalers who adhere to TGA regulations, ensuring the product you receive matches the brand-name specifications.
- Our platform provides a secure, user-friendly interface that lets you upload a valid prescription and track order status in real time.
Quality & Safety
- We partner with accredited pharmacies that operate under the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s of conduct. All shipments undergo temperature-controlled handling and tamper-evident packaging.
Pricing & Access
- Compared with many brick-and-mortar outlets, our online pharmacy offers competitive pricing, often delivering savings of 15-20 % on the standard retail price of Asacol 400 mg tablets.
- For patients who have limited local stock or face long waiting periods, we provide rapid fulfillment through our national distribution network.
Discreet Delivery
- Express shipping arrives within 7 days, while standard delivery takes up to 3 weeks. Each package is sealed in unmarked, protective material to protect privacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I split the 400 mg tablet? The tablet is designed for whole-tablet release; splitting may compromise pH-dependent and reduce colon-specific delivery.
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How long does it take to feel better after starting Asacol? Symptom improvement typically begins within 2-4 weeks for mild disease, though complete remission may require 8-12 weeks of continuous therapy.
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Is Asacol safe to use with other ulcerative colitis medicines? It is often combined with topical mesalamine or low-dose steroids during induction phases. Always confirm compatibility with your prescriber.
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What should I do if I experience a rash? Stop the medication and contact a healthcare professional promptly; a rash can indicate a hypersensitivity reaction.
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Can I take Asacol while on anticoagulants? No direct pharmacokinetic interaction exists, but the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding may be modestly increased; monitoring is advisable.
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Does food affect the drug’s effectiveness? Taking the tablet with food can reduce stomach irritation without markedly changing colonic release, so it is generally recommended.
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Are there generic alternatives to Asacol in Australia? Yes, several generic mesalamine tablets contain the same active ingredient and are bioequivalent. They may offer lower out-of-pocket costs.
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How often should I have blood tests while on Asacol? Baseline renal function and periodic monitoring every 3-6 months are standard practice, especially for patients with pre-existing kidney disease.
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Is Asacol suitable for children? The product is approved for adult use only. Pediatric formulations of mesalam are available under different brand names and dosing regimens.
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What happens if I miss several doses? Contact your prescriber; they may adjust the dosing schedule or suggest a short-course steroid to regain disease control.
Glossary
- 5- (5-Aminosalicylic Acid)
- A class of anti-inflammatory agents that act locally in the colon to reduce mucosal inflammation.
- pH-dependent coating
- A polymer layer that remains intact in acidic environments (stomach) and dissolves at higher pH levels (terminal ileum), ensuring targeted drug release.
- NF-κB (Nuclear Factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells)
- A transcription factor that regulates the expression of many pro-inflammatory cytokines; its inhibition reduces inflammatory signalling.
Disclaimer
The information provided about Asacol is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions, including those concerning off-label use, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. Readers are presumed to be responsible adults capable of making informed health choices. Our online pharmacy offers access to Asacol for individuals who may encounter limited availability through traditional channels or who seek affordable alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.
