DIPENTUM (OLSALAZINE SODIUM)

About Dipentum and IBD

If you are dealing with an irritable bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis, talk to your doctor about a prescription to purchase Dipentum to help maintain your periods of remission. Taking Dipentum can make it easier for you to take part in social events, family celebrations, school functions, and workplace gatherings without the worry of locating a bathroom quickly or having an embarrassing accident. If you experience a flare-up, your doctor may recommend taking a corticosteroid drug with Dipentum for a faster recovery time. The active ingredient of Dipentum is Olsalazine Sodium, which seems to perform better for those that are intolerant of sulfasalazine.

Dipentum Starts Acting Once it Reaches Your Large Intestine

Dipentum is actually a pro-drug, which means that it is not activated until it reaches its destination in the large intestine where ulcerative colitis (UC) is causing the problems. Only then will it be converted by colonic bacteria into Mesalamine, also called 5-ASA (aminosalicylic acid). It has not been established exactly how Dipentum works to control the symptoms of UC or other irritable bowel diseases, but it is believed that the anti inflammatory action is reduced by inhibiting certain enzymes in your body that produce prostaglandins and other substances that cause inflammation. Although there is no cure for ulcerative colitis, the action of Dipentum reduces the pain, discomfort, and frequent loose bowel movements and helps to maintain periods of remission.

Conditions Treated by Dipentum

Ulcerative colitis is believed to be caused when something in your immune system is not working correctly or it can be genetic. Chemicals are produced that initiate inflammation in the lining of your large intestine which results in the formation of ulcers. You experience abdominal pain and cramping with rectal bleeding and diarrhea as the inflammation causes your bowel to move waste quickly before it has time to form a normal stool.

Many of those with ulcerative colitis may stop eating properly and become malnourished because they believe it’s something in their diet that triggers a flare-up. Talk to a nutritionist about an eating plan that is geared towards people with ulcerative colitis or other irritable bowel diseases. As part of your UC treatment, you will undergo screenings every one to two years to keep track of your progress and for early detection of any cancer that could develop.

Before Dipentum is Prescribed

Ask your doctor it is safe to take Dipentum if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding. Talk about other medical conditions or allergies you have with your doctor and list any OTC or Rx drugs you are taking, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements so it can be determined if Dipentum is the right medication for you.

Proper Use of Dipentum

Until you know how Dipentum will affect you, avoid operating a vehicle or performing any task that may be unsafe. If diarrhea occurs or the symptoms worsen while taking Dipentum, contact your doctor. Keep Dipentum out of children’s reach and do not share this medication with anyone. Continue taking Dipentum for the entire treatment period recommended by your doctor, even if you begin to feel better.

Possible Side Effects of Dipentum

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Joint pain