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Dipentum Coupon - Dipentum 250mg capsule

Dipentum

olsalazine
Used for Ulcerative Colitis
Used for Ulcerative Colitis

Dipentum (olsalazine) is used to prevent flare-ups from ulcerative colitis (UC) in adults. It belongs to a drug class known as aminosalicylates. This medication is a capsule that's taken by mouth. The usual dosage is 2 capsules twice a day. Potential side effects include diarrhea and stomach pain. Dipentum (olsalazine) isn't available as a generic yet.

Last reviewed on December 16, 2024
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What is Dipentum (olsalazine)?

What is Dipentum (olsalazine) used for?

How Dipentum (olsalazine) works

Dipentum (olsalazine) is an aminosalicylate. It lessens inflammation in your gut. This helps prevent flare-ups of UC.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsDipentum
Drug ClassAminosalicylate
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$2092.58(save 15.70%)
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$1764.00
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What are the side effects of Dipentum (olsalazine)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Other Side Effects

  • Feeling gassy
  • Vomiting
  • Mouth sores
  • Dry mouth
  • Dizziness
  • Itching

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Salicylate toxicity (too much medication in the body): nausea, vomiting, ringing in the ears, shallow breathing, headache, dizziness, confusion, seizures
  • Kidney problems: urinating less often than usual; dry and itchy skin; fever; chills; muscle cramps; back or side pain; swelling in your feet, ankles, or hands
  • Serious skin reaction: hives, blisters, peeling skin, skin reddening, fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes
  • Allergic reaction: hives, swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Agitation

bloody diarrhea

blood in the urine

coma

confusion

dark-colored urine

decreased urine output

depression

dizziness

fever

general feeling of tiredness or weakness

headache

hostility

increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight

irritability

itching, skin rash

lethargy

light-colored stools

muscle twitching

nausea

pain in the groin or genitals

rapid weight gain

redness or other discoloration of the skin

seizures

severe sunburn

sharp back pain just below ribs

stomach pain

swelling of the face, ankles, or hands

unusual tiredness or weakness

vomiting

yellow eyes or skin

Less common

Pale skin

trouble breathing

unusual bleeding or bruising

Rare

Back pain

fast heartbeat

swelling of the stomach

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings

diarrhea

loss of appetite

Less common

Aching joints and muscles

acid or sour stomach

acne

anxiety

belching

bloated or full feeling

body aches or pain

bone pain

congestion

constipation

coughing

cramps

difficulty with moving

dizziness or drowsiness

heartburn

hoarseness

indigestion

muscle pain or stiffness

passing of gas

shivering

sleeplessness

sneezing

stomach discomfort or upset

sweating

swelling or inflammation of the mouth

swollen joints

tender, swollen glands in the neck

trouble with sleeping

trouble with swallowing

unable to sleep

voice changes

weight loss

Rare

Decreased interest in sexual intercourse

flushing, redness of the skin

hair loss or thinning of the hair

inability to have or keep an erection

loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance

unusually warm skin

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Dipentum (olsalazine)

thumbs-up

Pros

Taken by mouth

Prevents flare-ups from happening

Good option for people who can't take sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)

thumbs-down

Cons

Not a first-choice treatment option for severe UC

Won't help if you're currently having a flare-up

Not known whether it's safe or if it works well in children

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Dipentum (olsalazine)

pharmacist
  • You can take Dipentum (olsalazine) with or without food. Taking it with food might help prevent stomach upset.

    • Make sure you take Dipentum (olsalazine) every day to prevent flare-ups of your UC. It won't help if you only take it when you're having a flare-up.

      • You might notice that your urine is a reddish-brown color if it hits surfaces or water treated with bleach. This is normal. But if your urine is reddish-brown when it comes out of your body, get medical help right away because this can be a sign of kidney problems.

        • Let your prescriber and pharmacist know if you've recently received or plan to get the chickenpox vaccine (Varivax). You shouldn't take Dipentum (olsalazine), aspirin, and other similar medications within 6 weeks of getting the vaccine to lessen your risk for Reye's syndrome. Speak with your healthcare team about your options.

          • Let your prescriber know if you've ever had an allergic reaction to aspirin or sulfasalazine (Azulfidine). You might have a similar reaction to Dipentum (olsalazine).

            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about Dipentum (olsalazine)

            Is Dipentum (olsalazine) a biologic?
            No. Dipentum (olsalazine) isn't a biologic because it isn't made from a living source.
            Is there a generic for Dipentum (olsalazine)?
            No. Dipentum (olsalazine) is only available as a brand-name medication. There isn't a generic available yet.
            What drug class does Dipentum (olsalazine) belong to?
            Dipentum (olsalazine) belongs to a class of medications called aminosalicylates. These medications work in your gut to lower inflammation.
            What's the difference between mesalamine and Dipentum (olsalazine)?
            Both Dipentum (olsalazine) and mesalamine are aminosalicylates that are used to treat ulcerative colitis, but they have a few differences. For one, Dipentum (olsalazine) is only available as a capsule that's taken by mouth. Mesalamine comes in many different dosage forms, such as oral tablets and capsules, suppositories, and enemas. Additionally, oral mesalamine is usually taken 1 to 4 times a day but Dipentum (olsalazine) is taken twice a day. Follow up with your healthcare professional to learn about more differences between these ulcerative colitis medications.
            When does Dipentum (olsalazine) start working?
            It can take 2 to 3 weeks for Dipentum (olsalazine) to start working for most people. Keep in mind that everyone can have a different experience when they take this medication. Talk to your prescriber if you're taking Dipentum (olsalazine) every day and are still having flare-ups. This might be a sign that the medication isn't working for you.
            Can Dipentum (olsalazine) be used during pregnancy?
            There isn't enough information to know whether Dipentum (olsalazine) is safe to take during pregnancy. Animal studies show that Dipentum (olsalazine) can be harmful to the developing unborn baby, but animals in the studies were given much higher doses of the medication than what humans normally take. Let your prescriber know if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant. They'll weigh the risks and benefits of using ulcerative colitis medications like Dipentum (olsalazine) during pregnancy.
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            What are the risks and warnings for Dipentum (olsalazine)?

            Dipentum (olsalazine) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

            risk-warning

            Kidney problems

            • Risk factors: History of kidney problems | Taking other medications that can harm the kidneys

              Some people who take Dipentum (olsalazine) have had kidney damage. Let your healthcare team know about any past or current kidney problems. Also tell them about all your medications to check whether you're taking other medications that can harm the kidneys. You'll need to get blood tests done before starting Dipentum (olsalazine) and periodically during treatment. Your prescriber will weigh the risks to your kidney health against the benefits for you to take Dipentum (olsalazine).

              Other kidney problems that can happen while you're taking Dipentum (olsalazine) can include having kidney stones. Stay hydrated to prevent kidney stones from forming.

              risk-warning

              Intolerance syndrome

              Dipentum (olsalazine) turns into mesalamine in your body. Mesalamine can cause a reaction called acute intolerance syndrome that can look a lot like a flare-up of UC. Stop taking Dipentum (olsalazine) and contact your care team right away if you have worsening UC symptoms, such as cramping, sudden stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, fever, and rash.

              risk-warning

              Serious allergic reaction

              • Risk factors: Allergy to sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)

                Dipentum (olsalazine) can cause serious allergic reactions. These reactions can make it difficult to breathe or cause a severe rash that can be life-threatening. In very severe cases, allergic reactions might involve the organs, such as the heart, liver, and kidneys. Stop taking Dipentum (olsalazine) and get medical help if you think you're having an allergic reaction.

                risk-warning

                Possible liver problems

                • Risk factors: History of liver problems

                  It's rare, but some people have had severe liver problems after they've taken a similar medication called mesalamine. Since Dipentum (olsalazine) gets turned into mesalamine in the body after you take the medication, it's important to let your prescriber know if you have a history of liver problems before you start treatment. They'll make sure Dipentum (olsalazine) is safe for you to take.

                  risk-warning

                  Severe skin reactions

                  Although rare, it's possible for Dipentum (olsalazine) to cause serious skin reactions. They can include Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) or drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome, among others.

                  Stop taking Dipentum (olsalazine) and get medical help right away if you notice unusual changes in your skin, like rash, blisters, peeling skin, or skin reddening. These skin reactions can sometimes happen with or without fever, sore throat, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. Look out for these symptoms as well.

                  risk-warning

                  Sun sensitivity

                  • Risk factors: History of skin conditions, like eczema

                    Dipentum (olsalazine) can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. It can make it easier for you to get a sunburn. This might be more likely to happen if you have a skin condition like eczema. Try to avoid sun exposure as much as possible, wear protective clothing, and use sunscreen when outdoors.

                    dosage

                    Dipentum (olsalazine) dosage forms

                    The average cost for 120 capsules of 250mg of Dipentum (olsalazine) is $1764.00 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 15.7% off the average retail price of $2092.58.
                    capsule
                    Capsule
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    250mg120 capsules$1764.00$14.70

                    Typical dosing for Dipentum (olsalazine)

                    The typical dose is 500 mg by mouth two times a day.

                    interactions

                    Interactions between Dipentum (olsalazine) and other drugs

                    Dipentum (olsalazine) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Dipentum (olsalazine). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                    Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                    Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                    • Tamarind
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                    Dipentum (olsalazine) contraindications

                    Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Dipentum (olsalazine) will not be safe for you to take.
                    alternatives

                    What are alternatives to Dipentum (olsalazine)?

                    There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Dipentum (olsalazine). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                    Dipentum (olsalazine)
                    Used for:
                    $1764.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Used for:
                    • Ulcerative colitis (UC)

                    $55.66 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Used for:
                    $87.98 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
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                    Dipentum (olsalazine) images

                    Beige Dipentum 250 Mg - Dipentum 250mg Capsule
                    This medicine is Beige Capsule Imprinted With "Dipentum 250 Mg".Beige Dipentum 250 Mg - Dipentum 250mg Capsule

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                    References

                    Best studies we found
                    View All References (2)

                    Rubin, D. T., et al. (2019). ACG clinical guideline: Ulcerative colitis in adults. The American Journal of Gastroenterology.

                    Vasudevan, A., et al. (2017). Time to clinical response and remission for therapeutics in inflammatory bowel diseases: What should the clinician expect, what should patients be told? World Journal of Gastroenterology.

                    GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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