Dipentum (Olsalazine)

Do’s

• Take exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider: Follow their instructions for dosage and frequency (usually twice a day, 12 hours apart).
• Take with food or after meals: This helps reduce stomach upset.
• Drink plenty of fluids: This is important to prevent kidney stones, a potential side effect.
• Take it consistently: Aim for similar times each day to maintain steady medication levels.
• Continue taking it even if you feel well: Dipentum helps manage ulcerative colitis, not necessarily cure it.
• Tell your healthcare provider if your condition worsens or doesn't improve.

Don'ts

• Don't take more than prescribed. Exceeding the recommended dosage can be harmful.
• Don't drink alcohol or caffeine. These can worsen stomach upset.
• Don't stop taking it abruptly. Talk to your healthcare provider before discontinuing use.
• Don't crush or chew the tablets or capsules. Swallow them whole.

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea/vomiting
• Severe stomach/abdominal pain
• Unusual tiredness
• Skin rash
• Fever
• Swollen glands
• Muscle aches
• Severe weakness
• Unusual bruising
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Skin allergy
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Diarrhea
• Constipation

Serious Side Effects:

• Signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine, bloody urine, swelling of the face, fingers, or lower legs, weight gain, or trouble breathing)
• Serious allergic reactions, including skin rash, swelling, or trouble breathing
• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights
• Serious heart symptoms include fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in the chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Dipentum,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Inform your healthcare provider if you have allergies to olsalazine, aspirin, or related medications (salicylates, NSAIDs).

Mention your medical history, especially regarding asthma, nasal polyps, kidney problems, liver problems, or pelvic radiation treatment before using Dipentum.

Dipentum may increase the risk of stomach bleeding, especially with daily alcohol use.

Children and teenagers under 18 should avoid Dipentum (and similar medications) if they have chickenpox, flu, or an undiagnosed illness, or have recently received a live virus vaccine. This is to avoid Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious illness.

Dipentum can increase sun sensitivity. Limit sun exposure, use sunscreen and protective clothing, and inform your healthcare provider about sunburn or skin irritation.

Before surgery, inform your healthcare provider or dentist about all medications you take, including Dipentum.

Dipentum should only be used during pregnancy if absolutely necessary. Discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.

Dipentum may pass into breast milk and potentially harm the infant. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.