What does 5-ASA mean?

5-ASA stands for 5-aminosalicylic acid. Another name for this class of drugs is aminosalicylates. Acetylsalicylic acid, the active ingredient in aspirin, is chemically related to the 5-ASA drugs. The 5-ASA medications control inflammation.

What are the 5-ASA medications?

There are several types of 5-ASA drugs: sulphasalazine (brand name Salazopyrin®) mesalazine (Asacol®, Pentasa®, Salofalk® and Mezavant®). This 5-ASA comes in different formulations which target slightly different parts of the digestive system.

Is 5-ASA anti-inflammatory?

Five-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) (mesalamine or mesalazine) and its derivatives (i.e., balsalazide, olsalazine, and sulfasalazine) are anti-inflammatory drugs indicated for the treatment of IBD.

What is acute intolerance syndrome?

Mesalamine-Induced Acute Intolerance Syndrome is a systemic reaction to 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) products and can include the following clinical manifestations: abdominal pain/cramping, diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, fever, headache, myalgias, and rash.

Is mesalamine a steroid?

Mesalamine (Lialda) is not a steroid. Mesalamine (Lialda) belongs to a class of drugs known as aminosalicylates. It works by decreasing swelling in the colon and is used to treat ulcerative colitis.

Is mesalamine used for Crohn’s?

Mesalamine is a drug used for treating ulcerative colitis and mild to moderate Crohn’s disease. The exact mechanism of mesalamine is not known but is believed to be by reducing inflammation in the colon.

Is 5-ASA an immunosuppressant?

While any medication has potential risks (see below), 5-ASA medications are often very well tolerated and have not been associated with an increased risk of infection or cancer. These medications are not immunosuppressants.

What do 5 Aminosalicylates do?

What are 5-aminosalicylates? Aminosalicylates are anti-inflammatory agents used to treat inflammatory bowel disease and some forms of arthritis.

What is the difference between intolerance and allergy?

A true food allergy causes an immune system reaction that affects numerous organs in the body. It can cause a range of symptoms. In some cases, an allergic food reaction can be severe or life-threatening. In contrast, food intolerance symptoms are generally less serious and often limited to digestive problems.

Is mesalamine safe long term?

Study results demonstrate that once-daily MG is well tolerated for the long-term maintenance of remission in patients with mild to moderate UC, with a low risk of UC recurrence. As patients with UC may require lifelong treatment to maintain remission, long-term assessment of the safety of UC therapy is important.