Safety Profile of the New 5-ASA Based Compounds

5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) preparations were anticipated tobe and generally are better tolerated than sulphasalazine. Minor side effects suchas headache, dizziness, abdominal pain and nausea do occur but are not morefrequent than in placebo-treated patients. Approximately 10% of patientsthought to be allergic to sulphasalazine are also allergic to 5-ASA. Anidiosyncratic reaction with worsening of symptoms can occur. Diarrhea is morecommon with olsalazine, and it is due to the effect of olsalazine itself on the smallbowel. not the 5-ASA component. There are case reports of pancreatitis,pericarditis and bronchospasm, retrosternal chest pain, mild neutropenia,nephrotic syndrome and hair loss associated with 5-ASA treatment. Patientswith oligospermia due to sulphasalazine have improved when switched to 5-ASA. 5-ASA enemas can cause local irritation or other effects resulting fromenema tip insertion