Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Mesalazine may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
for Salofalk granules contain the active substance mesalazine, an anti-inflammatory agent used to treat inflammatory bowel disease. Salofalk 1.5g granules are used for: − the treatment of acute episodes and prevention of further episodes (recurrence) of a mild to moderate ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory disease of the large intestine (colon).
e Salofalk 1.5g granules Do not take Salofalk granules − If you are allergic to mesalazine, salicylic acid, salicylates such as acetylsalicylic acid (e.g. Aspirin) or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6). − If you have a serious liver or kidney disease. Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor before taking Salofalk 1.5g granules − − − − −
If you have a history of problems with your lungs, particularly if you suffer from bronchial asthma If you have a history of allergy to sulphasalazine, a substance related to mesalazine If you suffer with problems of your liver If you suffer with problems of your kidney If you have ever developed a severe skin rash or skin peeling, blistering and/or mouth sores after using mesalazine.
Mesalazine may produce red-brown urine discoloration after contact with sodium hypochlorite bleach in the toilet water. It concerns a chemical reaction between mesalazine and bleach and is harmless.
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Further precautions During treatment your doctor may want to keep you under close medical supervision and you may need to have regular blood and urine tests. Kidney stones may develop with use of mesalazine. Symptoms may include pain in sides of abdomen and blood in urine. Take care to drink sufficient amount of liquid during treatment with mesalazine. Serious skin reactions including drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) have been reported in association with mesalazine treatment. Stop using mesalazine and seek medical attention immediately if you notice any of the symptoms related to these serious skin reactions described in section 4. If you experience strong or recurrent headache, disturbed vision, or ringing or buzzing in the ears contact your doctor immediately. Other medicines and Salofalk granules Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines, in particular: − − −
Azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine or thioguanine (medicines used to treat immune disorders) Certain agents that inhibit blood clotting (medicines for thrombosis or to thin your blood, e.g. warfarin) Lactulose (medicine used to treat constipation) or other preparations that can change the acidity of your stools
Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. It may still be all right for you to use Salofalk granules and your doctor will be able to decide what is suitable for you. Pregnancy and breastfeeding If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. You should only use Salofalk granules during pregnancy if your doctor tells you to. You should also only use Salofalk granules during breastfeeding if your doctor tells you to, as this medicine may pass into breast milk. Driving and using machines Salofalk granules have no or negligible influence on the ability to drive or use machines. Salofalk 1.5g granules contain aspartame, sucrose and sodium This medicine contains 3 mg aspartame in each sachet of Salofalk 1.5g granules. Aspartame is a source of phenylalanine. It may be harmful if you have phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare genetic disorder in which phenylalanine builds up because the body cannot remove it properly. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product. This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per sachet, that is to say essentially 'sodium-free'.
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Salofalk 1.5g granules Always take Salofalk granules exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. Method of administration Salofalk granules are for oral use only. Salofalk granules should not be chewed. You should take the Salofalk granules by placing the granules directly on the tongue and then swallowing them with plenty of liquid without chewing. Dosage Age and body weight Adults, elderly and children weighing more than 40 kg
Single dose
Total daily dose
Treatment of acute episodes
Up to 2 sachets Salofalk 1.5g granules
1 x 1-2 sachets
Prevention of further episodes (for patients at increased risk for recurrence)
2 sachets Salofalk 1.5g granules
1 x 2 sachets
Adults and the elderly Unless otherwise prescribed by your doctor, the normal dosage for the treatment of acute episodes of ulcerative colitis is: 1-2 sachets of Salofalk 1.5g granules once daily preferably in the morning (equivalent to 1.5-3g mesalazine per day) depending on the clinical requirements in the individual case. To prevent a relapse of ulcerative colitis The normal dosage to prevent further episodes of ulcerative colitis is: 1 sachet of Salofalk 500mg granules three times daily (equivalent to 1.5g mesalazine per day). If upon the decision of your doctor you are at increased risk for recurrence, the dosage for prevention of further episodes of ulcerative colitis is: 2 sachets of Salofalk 1.5g granules once daily preferably in the morning (equivalent to 3g mesalazine per day). Use in children There is only limited documentation for an effect in children (age 6-18 years). Children 6 years of age and older Please ask your doctor about the precise dosage of Salofalk granules for your child. In acute episodes: to be determined individually, starting with 30-50 mg mesalazine per kg body weight per day that should be given once daily preferably in the morning or in divided doses. The maximum dose is 75 mg mesalazine per kg body weight per day. The total dose should not exceed the maximum adult dose. It is generally recommended that half the adult dose should be given to children up to a body weight of 40 kg; and the normal adult dose to those above 40 kg. Due to the high content of active substance, Salofalk 1.5g granules are not suitable for children
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weighing less than 40 kg. Please use Salofalk 500mg granules or 1000mg instead. Duration of treatment The treatment of acute episodes of ulcerative colitis usually lasts 8 weeks. Your doctor will decide how long you need to continue the treatment with this medicine. This will depend on your condition. To obtain the maximum benefit from this medicine, you should use Salofalk granules regularly and consistently both during the acute episode of inflammation and also as long-term treatment, as directed. If you think your Salofalk granules are too strong or too weak, talk to your doctor. If you take more Salofalk granules than you should Contact a doctor if you are in doubt, so he or she can decide what to do. If you use too much Salofalk granules on one occasion, just take your next dose as prescribed. Do not use a smaller amount. If you forget to take Salofalk granules Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. If you stop taking Salofalk granules Do not stop taking this product until you have talked to your doctor. If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Like all medicines, Salofalk granules can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. If you experience any of the following symptoms after taking this medicine, you should contact your doctor and stop the intake of Salofalk granules immediately:
The following side effects have also been reported by patients using mesalazine: Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
Salofalk 1.5g granules Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use Salofalk granules after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and the sachet after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. This medicine does not require any special storage conditions. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help to protect the environment.
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What Salofalk 1.5g granules contain The active substance is mesalazine and one sachet of Salofalk 1.5g granules contains 1.5g mesalazine. The other ingredients are aspartame (E 951); carmellose sodium; cellulose, microcrystalline; citric acid; silica, colloidal anhydrous; hypromellose; magnesium stearate; methacrylic acid-methyl methacrylate copolymer (1:1) (Eudragit L 100); methylcellulose; polyacrylate dispersion 40 % (Eudragit NE 40 D containing 2 % nonoxynol 100); povidone K 25; simeticone; sorbic acid; talc; triethyl citrate; vanilla custard flavour (containing sucrose). What Salofalk 1.5g granules look like and contents of the pack Salofalk 1.5g prolonged-release granules are stick-formed or round, beige or brownish granules, with or without yellowish surface parts. Each sachet contains 2.74 g granules. Salofalk 1.5g granules are available in packs of 20, 30, 35, 45, 50, 60, 70, 90, 100 and 150 sachets. Not all package sizes may be marketed. Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer Dr. Falk Pharma GmbH Leinenweberstr. 5 79108 Freiburg Germany Tel.: +49 (0) 761 / 1514-0 Fax: +49(0) 761 / 1514-321 E-mail: [email protected] This medicinal product is authorised in the Member States of the EEA under the following names: Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Spain, United Kingdom: Salofalk. Belgium, Luxembourg: Colitofalk. Austria: Mesagran. France: Osperzo. This leaflet was last revised in 05/2025.
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Salofalk 1.5g prolonged-release granules comes as granules containing 1.5g. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
The active substance in Salofalk 1.5g prolonged-release granules is mesalazine.
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Salofalk 1.5g prolonged-release granules, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
For the treatment of acute episodes and the maintenance of remission of mild to moderate ulcerative colitis.
Posology
Adults and elderly:
For the treatment of acute episodes of ulcerative colitis:
Once daily 1 sachet of Salofalk 3g granules, 1 or 2 sachets of Salofalk 1.5g granules, 3 sachets of Salofalk 1000mg granules or 3 sachets of Salofalk 500mg granules (equivalent to 1.5 – 3.0g mesalazine daily) preferably to be taken in the morning according to the individual clinical requirement.
It is also possible to take the prescribed daily dose in three divided doses (1 sachet of Salofalk 500mg granules three times daily or 1 sachet of Salofalk 1000mg granules three times daily) if this is more convenient to the patient.
For the maintenance of remission of ulcerative colitis:
The standard treatment is 0.5g mesalazine three times daily (in the morning, at midday and in the evening) corresponding to a total dose of 1.5g mesalazine per day.
For patients known to be at increased risk for relapse for medical reasons or due to difficulties to adhere to application of three daily doses the dosing schedule can be adapted to 3.0g mesalazine given as a single daily dose preferably in the morning.
Paediatric population:
There is only limited documentation for an effect in children (age 6-18 years).
Children 6 years of age and older:
Active disease: To be determined individually, starting with 30-50mg/kg/day once daily preferably in the morning or in divided doses. Maximum dose: 75mg/kg/day. The total dose should not exceed the maximum adult dose.
Maintenance treatment: To be determined individually, starting with 15-30 mg/kg/day in divided doses. The total dose should not exceed the recommended adult dose.
It is generally recommended that half the adult dose may be given to children up to a body weight of 40kg and the normal adult dose to those above 40kg.
Method of administration:
The contents of the sachets of Salofalk granules should not be chewed. The granules should be taken on the tongue and swallowed, without chewing, with plenty of liquid.
Both in the treatment of acute inflammatory episodes and during long term treatment, Salofalk granules should be used on a regular basis and consistently in order to achieve the desired therapeutic effects.
The treatment of acute episodes of ulcerative colitis usually lasts 8 weeks. The duration of use is determined by the physician.
Salofalk granules are contra-indicated in cases of:
• hypersensitivity to the active substance, to salicylates or any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
• Severe impairment of hepatic or renal function.
Blood tests (differential blood count; liver function parameters such as ALT or AST; serum creatinine) and urinary status (dip sticks) should be determined prior to and during treatment, at the discretion of the treating physician. As a guideline, follow up tests are recommended 14 days after commencement of treatment, then a further two to three tests at intervals of 4 weeks.
If the findings are normal, follow up tests should be carried out every 3 months. If additional symptoms occur, these tests should be performed immediately.
Caution is recommended in patients with impaired hepatic function.
Mesalazine should not be used in patients with impaired renal function.
Mesalazine-induced renal toxicity should be considered if renal function deteriorates during treatment. If this is the case, Salofalk granules should be discontinued immediately.
Cases of nephrolithiasis have been reported with the use of mesalazine including stones with a 100% mesalazine content. It is recommended to ensure adequate fluid intake during treatment.
Mesalazine may produce red-brown urine discoloration after contact with sodium hypochlorite bleach (e.g. in toilets cleaned with sodium hypochlorite contained in certain bleaches).
Serious blood dyscrasias have been reported very rarely with mesalazine. Hematological investigations should be performed if patients suffer from unexplained haemorrhages, bruises, purpura, anaemia, fever or pharyngolaryngeal pain. Salofalk granules should be discontinued in case of suspected or confirmed blood dyscrasia.
Cardiac hypersensitivity reactions (myocarditis, and pericarditis) induced by mesalazine have been rarely reported. Salofalk should then be discontinued immediately.
Patients with pulmonary disease, in particular asthma, should be very carefully monitored during a course of treatment with mesalazine.
Severe cutaneous adverse reactions
Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), including drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), have been reported in association with mesalazine treatment.
Mesalazine should be discontinued, at the first appearance of signs and symptoms of severe skin reactions, such as skin rash, mucosal lesions, or any other sign of hypersensitivity.
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri) has been reported in patients receiving mesalazine. Patients should be warned for signs and symptoms of idiopathic intracranial hypertension, including severe or recurrent headache, visual disturbances or tinnitus. If idiopathic intracranial hypertension occurs, discontinuation of mesalazine should be considered.
Patients with a history of adverse drug reactions to preparations containing sulphasalazine should be kept under close medical surveillance on commencement of a course of treatment with mesalazine. Should Salofalk granules cause acute intolerance reactions such as abdominal cramps, acute abdominal pain, fever, severe headache and rash, therapy should be discontinued immediately.
This medicine contains 3mg aspartame in each sachet of Salofalk 1500mg granules. Aspartame is a source of phenylalanine. It may be harmful in patients with phenylketonuria (PKU).
Salofalk granules contain sucrose. Patients with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance, glucose galactose malabsorption or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency should not take these medicines.
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per sachet, that is to say essentially 'sodium-free'.
Specific interaction studies have not been performed.
Lactulose or similar preparations, which lower stool pH:
possible reduction of mesalazine release from granules due to decreased pH caused by bacterial metabolism of lactulose.
In patients who are concomitantly treated with azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine or thioguanine, a possible increase in the myelosuppressive effects of azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine or thioguanine should be taken into account.
There is weak evidence that mesalazine might decrease the anticoagulant effect of warfarin.
Pregnancy
There are no adequate data on the use of mesalazine in pregnant women. However, data on a limited number of exposed pregnancies indicate no adverse effect of mesalazine on pregnancy or on the health of the foetus/newborn child. To date no other relevant epidemiologic data are available. In one single case after long-term use of a high dose of mesalazine (2-4g, orally) during pregnancy, renal failure in a neonate was reported.
Animal studies on oral mesalazine do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to pregnancy, embryonic/foetal development, parturition or postnatal development.
Salofalk granules should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit outweighs the possible risk.
Breastfeeding
N-acetyl-5-aminosalicylic acid and to a lesser degree mesalazine are excreted in breast milk. Only limited experience during lactation in women is available to date. Hypersensitivity reactions such as diarrhoea in the infant cannot be excluded. Therefore, Salofalk granules should only be used during breast-feeding if the potential benefit outweighs the possible risk. If the infant develops diarrhoea, breast-feeding should be discontinued.
Mesalazine has no, or negligible, influence on the ability to drive or use machines.
System Organ Class
Frequency according to MedDRA convention
Common
(≥ 1/100 to <1/10)
Uncommon
(≥ 1/1,000 to <1/100)
Rare
(≥ 1/10,000 to <1/1,000)
Very rare
(< 1/ 10,000)
Not known
(cannot be estimated from the available data)
Blood and lymphatic system disorders
Altered blood counts (aplastic anaemia, agranulocytosis, pancytopenia, neutropenia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia)
Immune system disorders
Hypersensitivity reactions such as allergic exanthema, drug fever, lupus erythematosus syndrome, pancolitis
Nervous system disorders
Headache
Dizziness
Peripheral neuropathy
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (see section 4.4)
Cardiac disorders
Myocarditis, pericarditis
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Allergic and fibrotic lung reactions (including dyspnoea, cough, bronchospasm, alveolitis, pulmonary eosinophilia, lung infiltration, pneumonitis)
Gastro-intestinal disorders
Abdominal pain, diarrhoea, dyspepsia, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, acute pancreatitis
Hepatobiliary disorders
Cholestatic hepatitis
Hepatitis
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Rash, pruritus
Photosensitivity
Alopecia
Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN)
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Arthralgia
Myalgia
Renal and urinary disorders
Impairment of renal function including acute and chronic interstitial nephritis and renal insufficiency
Nephrolithiasis*
Reproductive system and breast disorders
Oligospermia (reversible)
General disorders
Asthenia, fatigue
Investigations
Changes in liver function parameters (increase in transaminases and parameters of cholestasis), changes in pancreatic enzymes (lipase and amylase increased), eosinophil count increased
* see section 4.4 for further information
Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), including drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), have been reported in association with mesalazine treatment (see section 4.4).
Photosensitivity
More severe reactions are reported in patients with pre-existing skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and atopic eczema.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions:
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store
There are rare data on overdosage (e.g. intended suicide with high oral doses of mesalazine), which do not indicate renal or hepatic toxicity. There is no specific antidote and treatment is symptomatic and supportive.
Medicines sold in Romania with the same active substance: Cunoscut în România ca
Same active substance. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Romanian medicines in the UK →
Medicines sold in Poland with the same active substance: W Polsce znany jako
Same active substance. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Polish medicines in the UK →
Ask anything about Salofalk 1.5g prolonged-release granules. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.
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