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Dipentum (Olsalazine) Shopper Approved

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Dipentum

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Prescription Prescription Required FormationFormulation: Capsule

Olsalazine

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Dipentum (olsalazine) is a prescription medication used to help prevent symptoms of ulcerative colitis from returning after they have improved. Ulcerative colitis is a long-term condition that causes inflammation and sores in the lining of your large intestine, also called the colon.

Dipentum belongs to a group of medications called aminosalicylates. These medications help reduce inflammation in your digestive tract and keep ulcerative colitis under control.

Your healthcare provider may prescribe Dipentum if your ulcerative colitis is in remission, meaning your symptoms have improved or disappeared, and you cannot tolerate another medication called sulfasalazine.

Dipentum is used to manage the following condition:

  • Ulcerative Colitis: Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and sores in your colon and rectum. It can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloody stools, and an urgent need to have a bowel movement. Dipentum helps maintain remission by reducing inflammation in your colon, which lowers the chance of symptoms returning. It is particularly useful for adults who cannot tolerate sulfasalazine, another medication used to manage ulcerative colitis.

Dipentum is primarily prescribed to help keep ulcerative colitis in remission rather than to treat an active, severe flare-up. If your symptoms become worse or return during treatment, your healthcare provider may recommend another medication to control the inflammation.

Although Dipentum does not cure ulcerative colitis, taking it regularly as prescribed can help reduce the risk of flare-ups and support long-term digestive health.

How Does Dipentum Work?

Dipentum contains olsalazine, a medication that belongs to a group of drugs called 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) compounds, also known as aminosalicylates.

These medications work by reducing inflammation in the lining of your large intestine.

When you have ulcerative colitis, your immune system causes ongoing inflammation in your colon. This inflammation can damage the intestinal lining and lead to symptoms such as abdominal cramps, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and frequent bowel movements.

Dipentum helps control this inflammation by delivering an anti-inflammatory substance directly to your colon.

After you swallow Dipentum, the medication travels through your digestive system. When it reaches your colon, bacteria naturally found in your intestines break it down into two molecules of mesalamine, also called 5-ASA.

Mesalamine then acts on the lining of your colon to help reduce inflammation and prevent symptoms from returning.

Dipentum works in several ways:

  • Reduces Inflammation: Dipentum helps decrease the production and activity of substances that contribute to inflammation in your colon. This helps keep the intestinal lining healthier and less irritated.
  • Helps Prevent Ulcerative Colitis Flare-Ups: By controlling inflammation, Dipentum helps lower the risk of symptoms returning after your condition has entered remission.
  • Maintains Remission: Dipentum helps keep ulcerative colitis under control, allowing you to remain free from symptoms or experience fewer flare-ups over time.
  • Supports Colon Health: By reducing ongoing inflammation, Dipentum helps protect the lining of your large intestine from further irritation and damage.
  • Works Mainly in the Colon: Dipentum is designed to release its anti-inflammatory ingredient when it reaches your large intestine. This allows the medication to work directly in the area affected by ulcerative colitis.

Dipentum helps manage ulcerative colitis, but it does not permanently cure the condition. You may need to continue taking the medication even when you feel well to help prevent symptoms from returning.

The time it takes to notice benefits may vary. Because Dipentum is mainly used to maintain remission, you may not feel an immediate difference when taking it regularly.

Your healthcare provider may recommend follow-up appointments and blood tests to monitor your condition and check your kidney function during treatment.

Important: Dipentum can sometimes cause diarrhea, which may be difficult to distinguish from an ulcerative colitis flare-up. Contact your healthcare provider if you develop new or worsening diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloody stools, or other unusual symptoms.

Always take Dipentum exactly as prescribed to help maintain remission and reduce the risk of future flare-ups.

Dipentum is a prescription medication taken by mouth to help manage ulcerative colitis, a condition that causes inflammation and sores in the lining of your large intestine.

Dipentum is available as 250 mg capsules. It is usually taken twice a day to help prevent ulcerative colitis symptoms from returning. However, your healthcare provider may recommend a different dosing schedule if you are being treated for active inflammation.

Take Dipentum with meals and a full glass of water to help reduce stomach discomfort and diarrhea.

Your healthcare provider will determine the right dose based on your condition, symptoms, and response to treatment. Always follow your prescribed dosing instructions.

Recommended Dosage of Dipentum

For Active Ulcerative Colitis

In Canada, Dipentum may be prescribed to treat mild to moderate ulcerative colitis flare-ups.

Your healthcare provider may recommend starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing it over approximately one week.

  • Starting Dose: Treatment may begin with 500 mg per day, which is equal to two 250 mg capsules.
  • Usual Dose: The typical dose for active ulcerative colitis is 500 mg four times daily, for a total of 2,000 mg per day.
  • Dose Adjustments: If your symptoms do not improve and you tolerate the medication well, your healthcare provider may increase your total daily dose to 3,000 mg.
  • Maximum Single Dose: Do not take more than 1,000 mg at one time.

Increasing your dose gradually can help your body adjust to the medication and may reduce digestive side effects.

Do not increase your dose without medical advice.

For Maintaining Remission

If your ulcerative colitis is in remission, your healthcare provider may prescribe Dipentum to help prevent future flare-ups.

The usual recommended adult dose is 500 mg twice daily, which is equal to two 250 mg capsules in the morning and two 250 mg capsules in the evening.

Try to take your doses at regular times each day, preferably with meals.

You may need to continue taking Dipentum for an extended period, even if you feel well. This helps keep inflammation under control and reduces the chance of symptoms returning.

For Children

The safety and effectiveness of Dipentum have not been established in children and adolescents aged 18 years and younger under Canadian prescribing guidelines.

There is no standard approved pediatric dose. A specialist would need to determine whether treatment is appropriate.

Do not give Dipentum to a child unless it has been specifically prescribed by their healthcare provider.

Dosage information is based on the Canadian Dipentum Product Monograph. In the United States, Dipentum is approved for maintaining remission in adults who cannot tolerate sulfasalazine, rather than treating active flare-ups. 

How to Take Dipentum Capsules

Follow these steps to take Dipentum safely and correctly:

  1. Follow your prescribed dose: Take the number of capsules recommended by your healthcare provider. Your treatment schedule will depend on whether you have active ulcerative colitis or are maintaining remission.
  2. Take your medication with meals: Dipentum is best taken during or after meals. Taking it with food may help prevent stomach upset and diarrhea.
  3. Swallow the capsules with water: Take your capsules with a full glass of water. Swallow them whole unless your pharmacist gives you different instructions.
  4. Stay hydrated: Drink enough fluids throughout the day unless your healthcare provider has recommended a fluid restriction. Proper hydration may help reduce the risk of kidney stones.
  5. Take your doses at regular intervals: If you take Dipentum twice daily, try to take it around the same times each morning and evening. If you have a different schedule, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.
  6. Continue treatment as prescribed: Keep taking Dipentum even if your symptoms improve. Stopping treatment without medical advice may increase your risk of an ulcerative colitis flare-up.

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Dipentum?

If you forget to take a dose of Dipentum, take it as soon as you remember, preferably with food.

However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.

Do not take two doses at once or take extra capsules to make up for a missed dose. Taking more medication than prescribed may increase your risk of side effects.

If you frequently forget your doses, consider setting a phone reminder or using a medication calendar.

Contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are unsure what to do after missing a dose.

Important Tips When Taking Dipentum

Take Dipentum With Food

Taking Dipentum with meals can help reduce stomach discomfort and diarrhea.

Some people may experience loose stools when starting treatment or increasing their dose. Taking the medication with food and following your prescribed schedule may help reduce these symptoms.

Contact your healthcare provider if you experience persistent or severe diarrhea.

Drink Enough Fluids

Staying hydrated is important while taking Dipentum because medications that release mesalamine in the colon have been associated with kidney stones.

Drink adequate fluids throughout the day unless your healthcare provider has instructed you to limit your fluid intake.

Contact your healthcare provider if you experience severe back or side pain, blood in your urine, or difficulty urinating.

Do Not Change Your Dose

Do not increase or decrease your Dipentum dose without speaking to your healthcare provider.

Taking extra medication will not necessarily improve your symptoms and may increase your risk of side effects.

If your abdominal pain, diarrhea, or other symptoms continue, your healthcare provider may need to review your treatment.

Continue Treatment During Remission

Ulcerative colitis is a long-term condition that can cause symptoms to return even after you begin feeling better.

Dipentum helps maintain remission by controlling inflammation in your colon.

Continue taking your medication for as long as prescribed, even if you no longer experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, or rectal bleeding.

Attend Regular Medical Checkups

Your healthcare provider may recommend regular blood tests to check how well your kidneys are working during treatment.

These tests are important because Dipentum can sometimes affect kidney function, especially in people with existing kidney problems.

Tell your healthcare provider if you develop unusual symptoms or experience changes in your condition.

When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider

Contact your healthcare provider if your ulcerative colitis symptoms do not improve, return after a period of remission, or become worse while taking Dipentum.

You should also seek medical advice if you develop persistent diarrhea, worsening abdominal cramps, fever, or blood in your stool. Some of these symptoms may be caused by the medication or may indicate an ulcerative colitis flare-up.

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience severe abdominal pain, significant rectal bleeding, signs of severe dehydration, or difficulty urinating.

Always take Dipentum exactly as prescribed. Following your treatment schedule, taking the capsules with meals, and drinking enough fluids can help you manage ulcerative colitis while reducing the risk of side effects.

Common Side Effects of Dipentum (Olsalazine):

  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Itching
  • Joint pain
  • Rash
  • Stomach pain
  • Upset stomach

Serious Side Effects of Dipentum (Olsalazine):

  • Blood in your urine
  • Bloody diarrhea
  • Chest pain
  • Chills
  • Clay-colored stools
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Cramping
  • Dark urine
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Easy bruising
  • Fast or pounding heartbeats
  • Fever
  • Hives
  • Lightheadedness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Mouth sores
  • Pain or burning when you urinate
  • Pale skin
  • Severe or ongoing diarrhea
  • Shortness of breath
  • Skin sores
  • Stomach pain
  • Sudden and severe pain in your lower back or side
  • Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Tiredness
  • Unusual bleeding
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes

Dipentum (Olsalazine) is available in the following forms and strength:

Dipentum: Capsule

  • 250 mg

Before taking Dipentum, tell your healthcare provider about any medical conditions, allergies, or medications you are taking. Although Dipentum helps control inflammation and prevent ulcerative colitis flare-ups, it may cause side effects in some people.

Your healthcare provider may recommend regular blood tests and medical checkups to make sure the medication is working safely.

Allergic Reactions

Do not take Dipentum if you are allergic to olsalazine, salicylates, or any other ingredient in the medication.

An allergic reaction may cause itching, hives, redness, swelling, or a skin rash. In rare cases, a serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis may occur.

Signs of a severe allergic reaction include difficulty breathing, severe dizziness, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking Dipentum and seek emergency medical attention if you experience these symptoms.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have previously experienced an allergic reaction to aspirin, mesalamine, sulfasalazine, or similar medications.

Blood Cell Problems

In rare cases, Dipentum may cause serious changes in your blood cell counts. These changes can affect your body’s ability to fight infections, carry oxygen, or stop bleeding.

Possible blood disorders include:

  • Agranulocytosis: A severe decrease in certain white blood cells, making it harder for your body to fight infections.
  • Neutropenia: A reduction in neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that helps protect your body against bacteria and other germs.
  • Pancytopenia: A decrease in red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, which can cause weakness, infections, and unusual bleeding.

Your healthcare provider may recommend blood tests to monitor your blood cell counts during treatment, especially if you have other health conditions or take medications that affect your blood cells.

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you develop an unexplained fever, persistent sore throat, unusual tiredness, frequent infections, or unexplained bruising or bleeding.

Liver Problems

Dipentum may affect how your liver works and, in rare cases, cause liver inflammation or damage.

Your liver helps process medications and remove certain substances from your body. If you already have liver disease, your healthcare provider may need to monitor you more closely during treatment.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of hepatitis, liver disease, or abnormal liver function tests.

Your healthcare provider may recommend blood tests to check your liver function before or during treatment.

Contact your healthcare provider promptly if you notice yellowing of your skin or eyes, dark urine, unusual tiredness, loss of appetite, or pain in the upper right side of your abdomen.

Kidney Problems

Dipentum can sometimes affect kidney function, especially in people who already have kidney disease.

The medication releases mesalamine in your colon. Mesalamine-containing medications have been associated with kidney problems, including kidney inflammation and reduced kidney function.

Your healthcare provider may recommend kidney function tests before starting Dipentum and periodically during treatment.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of kidney disease, kidney stones, or reduced kidney function.

Contact your healthcare provider if you notice changes in urination, blood in your urine, swelling in your hands or feet, or unusual tiredness.

Drink enough fluids throughout the day unless your healthcare provider has recommended limiting your fluid intake.

Sun Sensitivity

Dipentum may increase sensitivity to sunlight in some people, particularly those with existing skin conditions such as eczema or atopic dermatitis.

This means your skin may become irritated or develop sunburn more easily after exposure to sunlight.

To help protect your skin, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and avoid spending long periods in direct sunlight.

Pay attention to unusual redness, itching, or rashes after spending time outdoors.

Contact your healthcare provider if you develop severe sunburn, blistering, or a skin reaction that does not improve.

Drug Interactions

Dipentum may interact with certain medications, potentially increasing your risk of side effects or affecting how well your treatment works.

For example, medications that can affect kidney function, including certain pain relievers such as ibuprofen and naproxen, may increase the risk of kidney problems when taken with Dipentum.

Some medications that affect blood cell production or the immune system may also require additional monitoring.

Tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you take blood thinners, antibiotics, antacids, or other prescription medications so they can check for possible interactions.

Always provide a complete list of your medications, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Do not start, stop, or change any medication without speaking to your healthcare provider.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk to your healthcare provider before taking Dipentum.

There is limited information about the safety of olsalazine during pregnancy. Your healthcare provider will consider the possible benefits of controlling ulcerative colitis and the potential risks of treatment.

Keeping ulcerative colitis under control during pregnancy is important because active inflammation can also affect your health and pregnancy.

If you are breastfeeding, small amounts of substances produced when Dipentum breaks down may pass into breast milk. There have been reports of diarrhea in nursing infants exposed to related medications.

Your healthcare provider can help determine whether Dipentum is appropriate while breastfeeding and whether your baby needs monitoring.

Do not stop taking Dipentum without medical advice, as stopping treatment may cause your ulcerative colitis symptoms to return.

Use in Children

The safety and effectiveness of Dipentum have not been established in children and adolescents under 18 years of age.

There is limited information about the appropriate dose and possible side effects in younger patients.

Do not give Dipentum to a child unless a healthcare provider experienced in treating pediatric inflammatory bowel disease specifically recommends it.

If your child has ulcerative colitis, their healthcare provider will recommend treatment based on their age, symptoms, medical history, and overall health.

Children receiving Dipentum under specialist supervision may need regular medical appointments and blood tests to monitor their response to treatment.

Use in Older Adults

Older adults may be more sensitive to certain side effects of Dipentum, particularly those affecting the kidneys and blood cells.

This may be because kidney function naturally declines with age, and older adults are more likely to have other medical conditions or take several medications.

If you are an older adult, your healthcare provider may recommend regular blood tests to check your kidney function and blood cell counts.

Tell your healthcare provider if you experience unusual weakness, dizziness, persistent diarrhea, or changes in urination.

Do not change your dose without medical advice.

Worsening Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms

Dipentum can sometimes cause a reaction that resembles an ulcerative colitis flare-up. This is called acute intolerance syndrome.

Symptoms may include severe abdominal cramps, bloody diarrhea, fever, headache, or a skin rash.

Because these symptoms can look similar to ulcerative colitis, it may be difficult to tell whether your condition is getting worse or you are reacting to the medication.

Stop taking Dipentum and contact your healthcare provider immediately if you develop these symptoms. Your healthcare provider will assess your condition and determine whether you need a different treatment.

Severe Skin Reactions

In rare cases, Dipentum may cause serious skin reactions, including blistering and peeling of the skin.

Early symptoms may include a widespread rash, fever, painful skin, or sores in your mouth or eyes.

Stop taking Dipentum and seek urgent medical attention if you develop these symptoms. Serious skin reactions require prompt medical treatment.

When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider

Contact your healthcare provider if you experience persistent diarrhea, unusual tiredness, frequent infections, unexplained bruising, or changes in urination while taking Dipentum.

Seek immediate medical attention if you develop difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, significant rectal bleeding, blistering skin, or signs of a serious allergic reaction.

Always take Dipentum exactly as prescribed. Regular medical appointments, blood tests, and proper hydration can help you manage ulcerative colitis while reducing the risk of serious side effects.

Can Dipentum be used to treat other conditions?

Dipentum is primarily prescribed to treat ulcerative colitis, a long-term condition that causes inflammation and sores in the lining of your large intestine. It helps reduce inflammation and prevent symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding from returning. In the United States, Dipentum is approved to maintain remission in adults with ulcerative colitis who cannot tolerate sulfasalazine. In some other countries, it may also be prescribed to treat active ulcerative colitis. Dipentum is not approved for treating unrelated digestive conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or Crohn’s disease. However, a healthcare provider may occasionally prescribe medications for uses outside their approved indications. Always use Dipentum only for the condition your healthcare provider has prescribed it to treat.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Dipentum?

If you forget to take a dose of Dipentum, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once or take extra capsules to make up for a missed dose. Taking more medication than prescribed may increase your risk of side effects, including diarrhea, stomach discomfort, and nausea. Try to take Dipentum at the same times each day, preferably with meals, to help you remember your doses. If you frequently forget your medication or are unsure what to do after missing a dose, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist for advice.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Dipentum?

There is no well-established direct interaction between Dipentum and alcohol. However, drinking alcohol may worsen certain symptoms of ulcerative colitis, including diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and stomach discomfort. Alcohol can also contribute to dehydration, especially if you are already experiencing frequent bowel movements or diarrhea. Some people with ulcerative colitis find that even small amounts of alcohol trigger digestive symptoms, while others may tolerate it without noticeable problems. If you choose to drink alcohol, ask your healthcare provider whether it is appropriate for you. They can consider your symptoms, liver health, and other medications before making a recommendation. It may be best to limit or avoid alcohol during an active ulcerative colitis flare-up, particularly if you are experiencing diarrhea, abdominal pain, or dehydration.

Does Dipentum need to be taken with food?

Yes, Dipentum is generally recommended to be taken with meals to help reduce digestive side effects, such as nausea, stomach discomfort, and diarrhea. Swallow the capsules with a full glass of water. Taking Dipentum with food may make the medication easier to tolerate, especially when you first begin treatment. If your healthcare provider prescribes Dipentum twice daily, try to take it with breakfast and your evening meal. This can help you maintain a regular dosing schedule. It is also important to drink enough fluids throughout the day unless your healthcare provider has instructed you to limit your fluid intake. If you experience persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, or nausea despite taking Dipentum with food, contact your healthcare provider. They may need to review your dose or recommend another treatment. Always follow your prescribed instructions and continue taking Dipentum for as long as your healthcare provider recommends, even if your ulcerative colitis symptoms have improved.

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Additional Information Book
Generic name:

Olsalazine

Formulation:

Capsule

Strength(s):

250mg

Quantities Available:

100

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Our online Canadian Pharmacy is known for high standards of quality, safety, and efficiency when it comes to medications.

Our pharmacy offers lower prices on prescription drugs compared to traditional pharmacies.

How to Order

How much Dipentum can I order at once from a Canadian pharmacy?

When ordering Dipentum (olsalazine) from a Canadian pharmacy, you can typically purchase up to a 90-day supply at one time, which is common for prescription medications to ensure adequate management of chronic conditions without frequent refills.

Here’s what you need to know:

Dosage and Quantity: Dipentum is available in 250 mg tablets and is commonly prescribed in dosages of up to 3,000 mg per day, divided into two or three doses. For a 90-day supply, this means you would order up to 1,080 tablets (90 days x 12 tablets per day).

Do you sell olsalazine?

No, we do not sell olsalazine directly on our website. However, you can still enjoy low prices on Dipentum, which contains olsalazine as an active ingredient. To purchase Dipentum, you will need a valid prescription from your healthcare provider. We require this prescription to dispense the medication safely and appropriately. You can submit your prescription by mailing it to us, faxing it, or uploading it through your online account.

Do you offer shipping of Dipentum (olsalazine) to the United States?

Yes, we ship Dipentum (olsalazine) to both the United States and Puerto Rico.

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Online Pharmacies Canada has provided information from third parties intended to increase awareness and does not contain all the information about Dipentum (Olsalazine). Talk to your doctor or other qualified medical practitioners for medical attention or advice, or if you have any concerns about Dipentum (Olsalazine).