This information is not intended for US residents

GASTROENTEROLOGY

ROWASA® (mesalazine)
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are serious conditions, together called inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Up to one million Americans suffer from IBD. These diseases usually hit people early, during their 20s and 30s. Both disorders come in phases, with periods of exacerbation and remission. The disease stages are very debilitating. Sufferers sometimes need to be hospitalized. In between the disease stages, however, people with IBD can lead normal and productive lives. The causes of irritable bowel syndrome are uncertain, and treatment is aimed at reducing the inflammation symptoms of diarrhea and abdominal pain. Next to the corticoids, the 5-ASA like Solvay Pharmaceuticals’ ROWASA® are indispensable medicines for inflammatory bowel disease. ROWASA® (mesalazine) reduces inflammation symptoms and abdominal pain during episodes. It can also help avoid new episodes. ROWASA® is the only enema/suppository formulation of 5-ASA’s available in the United States. That makes it the preferred treatment for ulcerative procritis for which local therapy is most suited because it only affects the lower part of the colon, the rectum.

	generic name
	brandnames
	product description
	indications
	description of indications
	worldwide availability
	date and country of first launch
	average dosages
	links

generic name
mesalazine
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brandnames
ROWASA®
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product description
ROWASA® (mesalazine) is a 5-aminosalicylic acid, also-called 5-ASA. This medication has an anti-inflammatory effect on the colon and the rectum, and reduces the symptoms of inflammation such as diarrhea, rectal bleeding and abdominal pain. ROWASA® is available in different formulations. The suppository and enema forms can be used for inflammations of the lower part of the colon and rectum, while ROWASA® capsules can be used for inflammations anywhere in the colon.
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indications
Active mild to moderate ulcerative colitis.
Prevention of acute relapses of Crohn’s disease.
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description of indications
Ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disease that occurs in the large intestine (colon). In ulcerative colitis the innermost lining of the colon is inflamed. Ulcerative colitis is most pronounced in the rectum, and then extends up into the colon in a continuous manner. Symptoms usually include diarrhea, rectal bleeding and abdominal pain. Ulcerative colitis usually sets on before the age of 30, although it can also occur later in life.
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Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. It usually occurs in the small intestine (ileum) and the large intestine (colon), but may occur anywhere in the digestive tract. In contrast with ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease affects all layers of the intestine. Symptoms of Crohn’s disease include diarrhea, crampy abdominal pain, fever, joint pain, and rectal bleeding. Loss of appetite and weight loss may also occur. Although people with Crohn’s disease can be very sick at times, they may have long disease-free periods in which they can lead active and productive lives. Crohn’s disease usually starts between the ages of 15 and 25. Crohn’s disease seems to have both genetic and environmental causes, but its exact cause is unknown.
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worldwide availability
Solvay Pharmaceuticals sells ROWASA® (mesalazine) in the US and France.
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date and country of first launch
1988
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average dosages
Tablets 250 mg and 500 mg: 2 to 4 gr per day, depending on starting or maintenance treatment.
Suppositories 500 mg: 2 suppositories per day.
Enemas 4 gr/60 ml: once a day at bedtime.
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Links
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