Olsalazine

What is olsalazine?

Olsalazine is a drug used to treat inflammatory bowel disease, chronic colitis, and lymphocytic-plasmocytic colitis in dogs. It is recommended for dogs who cannot tolerate sulfasalazine, which is the first line of therapy prescribed to treat gastrointestinal (GI) inflammatory conditions.

There are no veterinary products available for prescription. The human product (Dipentum®) may be prescribed for off-label (extra label) use in pets.

Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off-label use in veterinary medicine. “Off label” means the drug is being used in a way that has not been reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or Health Canada. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions carefully, as they may be significantly different from those on the label.

How do I give my pet olsalazine?

• Olsalazine is given orally (by mouth).
• Olsalazine comes in a capsule format.
• It is recommended to give olsalazine with food. If vomiting occurs when dosed on an empty stomach, give future doses with food or a treat.
• Space out doses as evenly as possible for best effects.
• Follow the instructions on the product label, in conjunction with your veterinarian’s directions.

This medication should take effect within 1 to 2 days and improvement in clinical signs should follow.

What if I miss giving my pet the medication?

If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember, and then continue with the regular dosing schedule. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

Are there any potential side effects from olsalazine?

Olsalazine may cause the following side effects:

• Vomiting (especially if not given with food)

Serious adverse reactions associated with this drug may occur without warning and could, in rare cases, lead to death. If any of the following signs develop, stop giving olsalazine and contact your veterinarian immediately:

• Worsening watery diarrhea
• Eye problems, which may present as squinting, mucoid discharge, and redness
• Severe or prolonged vomiting
• Skin irritation, hair loss and/or itchiness
• Lethargy or weakness
• Changes in urination amount or frequency
• Bloody urine

Drug sensitivities can develop over time, with repeated exposure. Your pet may have no reaction after the first few doses but may develop a sensitivity later. It is important to watch for signs of an allergic reaction over the entire course of the treatment and notify your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian immediately. This short-acting medication should stop working within 24 hours, although effects can be longer in pets with liver or kidney disease.

Are there any risk factors for this medication?

DO NOT USE olsalazine in:

• Pets that are allergic to it or to salicylates (aspirin)
• Pets that are pregnant, nursing, or breeding

USE WITH CAUTION in:

• Pets with kidney disease
• Pets with active gastrointestinal ulceration (stomach ulcers)
• Pets with severe liver disease
• Pets with a history of bleeding and clotting disorders

Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?

Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking before starting any new treatment.

The following drugs should be used WITH CAUTION when given with olsalazine:

• Heparin
• Dalteprin, enoxaparin and other low-molecular-weight heparins
• Mercaptopurine
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Warfarin

Is any monitoring needed with this medication?

• Baseline blood testing should be performed to determine kidney function before starting this medication, and periodically throughout the treatment period.
• At home, monitor for any side effects such as those noted above. If any occur, stop using the medication and contact your veterinarian.
• Your veterinarian will let you know when and how they want to reassess your pet to ensure the medication is working and not causing side effects.

How do I store olsalazine?

• Ensure olsalazine is tightly stored in its original container in a cool, dry place and protected from light.
• Store this medication at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C).
• Keep the container out of reach of children and pets.

What should I do in case of emergency?

If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility. Be prepared to provide information about the product and your pet’s weight and symptoms.