What is Rowasa?
Mesalamine (Rowasa) : Rowasa is 5-ASA in enema form and is effective in treating distal UC, which is simply UC affecting the lower part of the colon, near the rectum, and the rectum itself. One enema contains 4 g of 5-ASA. Rowasa also comes in suppository form for treating proctitis (rectal inflammation). Each suppository contains 500 mg of 5-ASA.
Introduced in 1990, ROWASA is a synthetic compound that is administered rectally to treat inflammatory conditions of the rectum and lower colon including ulcerative colitis and ulcerative proctitis. It is sometimes given with other medications for this purpose – such as the steroid, prednisone. Mesalamine (mess-AL-am-een) is the chemical name for this drug. It is still under protected patent and not yet available in a generic form. It comes in two forms – a 4 gm. enema solution and a 500 mg. rectal suppository. What ROWASA is not. ROWASA is not habit forming. It does not cause drowsiness. Men should know that ROWASA does not decrease their sperm count as does Azulfidine. It does not affect the desire or ability to perform sexually. Taking ROWASA properly 1. Empty your bowels before taking ROWASA. Do not use ROWASA before a bowel movement since this would push out the medication. It is best to empty your bowels before inserting the medication. 2. Take your ROWASA enema as prescribed at
