Octasa (generic mesalamine)
What is Octasa?
Octasa (generic mesalamine) is a brand name for the medication mesalazine, also known as mesalamine in the United States. It is a type of anti-inflammatory drug used to treat inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
Mesalazine belongs to the class of medications known as aminosalicylates, which work by reducing inflammation in the intestines. Mesalazine is available in various forms, including oral tablets, capsules, enemas, suppositories, and rectal foam. Octasa is only available as tablets.
Manufacturer
The manufacturer of Octasa (generic mesalamine) is Tillotts Pharma.
Strengths
Octasa (generic mesalamine) is available in 400mg, 800mg, and 1600mg tablets
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Are all Octasa gastro resistant?
Yes, all Octasa tablets are designed to be gastro resistant. This means they pass through the stomach without dissolving and release the active ingredient, mesalazine, in the intestines where it can directly target inflammation.
Can I take Octasa on an empty stomach?
Yes, you can take Octasa on an empty stomach. However, taking it with food might help reduce potential gastrointestinal side effects.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Octasa?
It is best to avoid alcohol while taking Octasa, as it can irritate the stomach and may worsen side effects.
Dosage and Administration
- For adults with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis, the typical dosage ranges from 2.4 grams to 4.8 grams per day, divided into multiple doses.
- Octasa tablets are taken orally.
- The tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets, as this can affect the gastro-resistant coating and alter the release of the medication.
Drug interactions
Some medications can affect mesalamine, including but not limited to:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Azathioprine
- 6-Mercaptopurine
Velphoro (sucroferric oxyhydroxide)
What is Velphoro?
Velphoro (sucroferric oxyhydroxide) is a prescription medication used to control serum phosphorus levels in patients with chronic kidney disease who are on dialysis.
Velphoro works by binding to dietary phosphorus in the gastrointestinal tract, preventing its absorption into the bloodstream.
Manufacturer
The manufacturer of Velphoro (sucroferric oxyhydroxide) is Fresenius Medical Care.
Strengths
Velphoro (sucroferric oxyhydroxide) is available in 500mg tablets.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Do I need to follow a special diet while taking Velphoro?
Yes, it’s often recommended to follow a low phosphorus diet while taking Velphoro.
Can I miss a dose of Velphoro?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember with your next meal. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take extra tablets to make up for a missed dose.
Dosage and Administration
- The starting dose is typically 500 mg (one chewable tablet) taken 3 times a day with each meal.
- Always take Velphoro with meals to help control phosphorus levels effectively.
- Chew the tablets thoroughly before swallowing. If chewing is difficult, you can crush the tablets.
Drug interactions
Some medications can affect sucroferric oxyhydroxide, including but not limited to:
- ergocalciferol
- etidronate
- ibandronate
- levothyroxine
- liothyronine
- liotrix
- minocycline
- doxycycline
- alendronate
- calcifediol
- cholecalciferol
- doxercalciferol
Tofacitinib (generic for Xeljanz)
What is tofacitinib?
Tofacitinib (generic for Xeljanz)is the generic form of Xeljanz and is a prescription medication belonging to the class of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. It is used to treat various inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ulcerative colitis.
Tofacitinib works by targeting specific enzymes involved in the inflammatory process, helping to reduce inflammation, pain, and swelling associated with these conditions.
Manufacturer
The manufacturer of Xeljanz is Pfizer.
Strengths
Tofacitinib (generic for Xeljanz) is available in 5mg and 10mg tablets.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Do I need regular blood tests while taking tofacitinib?
Yes, your doctor will likely require regular blood tests to monitor your blood cell counts, liver function, and cholesterol levels to ensure the medication is safe for you.
Are there any dietary restrictions while taking tofacitinib?
There are no specific dietary restrictions, but it’s always a good idea to follow a balanced diet.
Dosage and Administration
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psoriatic Arthritis:
- The typical starting dose is 5 mg taken orally twice daily.
- Alternatively, an extended-release form of 11 mg taken once daily may be prescribed.
Ulcerative Colitis:
- The initial dose is usually 10 mg taken orally twice daily for at least 8 weeks.
- After the initial period, the dose is typically reduced to 5 mg taken twice daily.
- For extended release tablets, the initial dose is 22 mg once daily for 8 weeks, then reduced to 11 mg once daily.
Administration:
- Tofacitinib can be taken with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water.
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.
Drug interactions
Some medications can affect tofacitinib, including but not limited to:
- Diflucan (fluconazole)
- Humira (adalimumab)
- Orencia (abatacept)
- Remicade (infliximab)
- Azathioprine
- Cyclosporine
- Rifampin
For inquiries about prescription medications, contact our team at Jason’s CanadaDrugstore.com by calling 1-800-226 3784 (CAN-DRUG) for assistance from our patient representatives or a licensed Canadian pharmacist.
This article provides medical information to help understand a condition or treatment plan but is not a diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Contact your doctor if you have concerns or symptoms. In case of emergency, call 911.
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