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Apriso

Generic name: mesalamine (oral) [ me-SAL-a-meen ]
Drug class: 5-aminosalicylates

Medically reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD. Last updated on Apr 8, 2024.

What is Apriso?

Apriso affects a substance in the body that causes inflammation, tissue damage, and diarrhea.

Apriso is used to treat mild to moderate ulcerative colitis in patients 18 years of age and older.

Apriso is used to prevent the symptoms of ulcerative colitis from recurring.

Warnings

Stop using Apriso and call your doctor at once if you have severe stomach pain, stomach cramping, bloody diarrhea (may occur with fever, headache, and skin rash).

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Apriso if you are allergic to mesalamine, aspirin, sulfasalazine, or salicylates (such as Disalcid, Doans Pills, Dolobid, Kaopectate, Nuprin Backache, Pepto-Bismol, Tricosal, Trilisate, and others).

To make sure Apriso is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Apriso capsules contain phenylalanine. Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether mesalamine will harm an unborn baby. However, having untreated or uncontrolled ulcerative colitis during pregnancy may cause complications such as low birth weight or premature birth. The benefit of treating ulcerative colitis may outweigh any risks to the baby.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk. If you are breastfeeding, tell your doctor if you notice diarrhea in the nursing baby.

Do not give this medicine to a child. Apriso is not approved for use in anyone younger than 18 years old.

Apriso pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (more detail)

How should I take Apriso?

Take Apriso exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using mesalamine.

You may take Apriso with or without food.

Drink plenty of liquids to help prevent kidney stones.

Swallow the capsule whole and do not open, chew, or break it. Tell your doctor if you have trouble swallowing the capsule.

Call your doctor if your ulcerative colitis symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Apriso.

You may need frequent blood tests to check your blood cells or kidney function.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Ulcerative Colitis -- Maintenance:

Apriso 375 mg extended release capsules: 1.5 g (4 capsules) orally once a day in the morning

Comments:
Do not co-administer Apriso 375 mg extended release capsules with antacids.

Use: Maintenance of remission of ulcerative colitis in adults.

Detailed Apriso dosage information

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking Apriso?

If you have a skin condition such as eczema, mesalamine could make you sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Ask your doctor before using an antacid, and use only the type your doctor recommends. Some antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb mesalamine.

Apriso side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Apriso: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using Apriso and call your doctor at once if you have:

Low white blood cell counts may be more likely in older adults.

Common Apriso side effects may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Apriso side effects (more detail)

What other drugs will affect Apriso?

Apriso can harm your kidneys, especially if you also use certain medicines for infections, cancer, osteoporosis, organ transplant rejection, bowel disorders, high blood pressure, or pain or arthritis (including Advil, Motrin, and Aleve).

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with mesalamine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Apriso drug interactions (more detail)

Popular FAQ

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Common side effects of mesalamine include stomach problems (such as burping, abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea); a headache or dizziness; nasal problems, such as nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, or itching; or a rash. For most people, these side effects lessen or go away after a few weeks of treatment. More serious side effects with mesalamine are less common or rare, but include allergic reactions, bloody diarrhea or blood in the urine, and an intolerance syndrome. Continue reading

References

  1. Apriso Product Label

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Apriso only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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