mesalamine
Mesalamine is used to treat ulcerative colitis (a condition which causes swelling and sores in the lining of the colon [large intestine] and rectum) and also to maintain improvement of ulcerative colitis symptoms. Mesalamine is in a class of medications called anti-inflammatory agents. It works by stopping the body from producing a certain substance that may cause inflammation.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions should always be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking mesalamine affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
According to the MotherToBaby fact sheet, it is not known whether mesalamine can make it harder for a person to get pregnant. In males, there have been some reports of lower sperm count while taking mesalamine, which could affect fertility; sperm counts reportedly returned to usual after stopping the medication. Anyone with questions about fertility and this medication should discuss them with their healthcare provider.
Does taking mesalamine increase the risk of miscarriage?
Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many reasons. The fact sheet notes one study of 146 people who used mesalamine in the first trimester that did not find a higher chance of miscarriage. Individual circumstances should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Does taking mesalamine increase the risk of birth defects?
Every pregnancy starts with a background 3–5% chance of a birth defect. The fact sheet states that mesalamine use in pregnancy is considered unlikely to significantly increase the chance of birth defects, with several studies of first-trimester oral and rectal exposure finding no increased chance. One study of over 2,000 exposed infants found a slightly higher rate of heart defects, but many participants also used other medications, making it hard to know whether mesalamine, other medications, the underlying disease, or other factors played a role. These findings are best reviewed with a healthcare provider.
Can taking mesalamine during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
The fact sheet indicates that mesalamine is not expected to increase the chance of pregnancy-related problems such as preterm delivery or low birth weight. Earlier reports raised questions about higher chances of preterm delivery and stillbirth, but more recent data has not suggested an increased chance for these complications. A healthcare provider can help weigh these considerations alongside the importance of treating the underlying condition.
Can taking mesalamine during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
According to the fact sheet, studies have not been done to see whether mesalamine can increase the chance of behavior or learning issues for the child. Because this question has not been specifically studied, any concerns should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking mesalamine?
The fact sheet reports that mesalamine passes into breast milk in small amounts. Diarrhea has been reported in some breastfed infants, while other breastfed infants have had no side effects; the sheet suggests that nursing infants be watched closely for changes in bowel activity and that a child's healthcare provider be contacted if symptoms like diarrhea are suspected. Breastfeeding decisions while taking this medication should be made together with a healthcare provider.
Source: MotherToBaby Fact Sheet
mesalamine