Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

← Back to all medicines

Salofalk 500mg gastro-resistant tablets

⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued

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.

Active substance: Mesalazine

Equivalent medicines (same active substance, strength and form)

Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc)
Official leaflet: Read the PIL on emc

What it is and what it is used for

for Salofalk 500mg tablets contain the active substance mesalazine, an anti-inflammatory agent used to treat inflammatory bowel disease. Salofalk 500mg tablets are used for

  • the treatment of acute episodes and prevention of further episodes (recurrence) of an inflammatory disease of the large intestine (colon), known by doctors as ulcerative colitis.

What you need to know before you take it

e Salofalk 500mg tablets Do not take Salofalk 500mg tablets –

If you are allergic to mesalazine, to salicylic acid, to salicylates such as acetylsalicylic acid (e.g., Aspirin®) or to 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 500mg tablets

  • 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.

Salofalk-500mg-tablets-Feb26-UK

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. In rare cases, in patients who have undergone bowel resection/bowel surgery in the ileocoecal area with removal of the ileocoecal valve, it has been observed that Salofalk 500mg tablets are excreted undissolved in the stool, due to an excessively rapid passage through the bowel. If you notice this occurrence in your own case, please inform your doctor. 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 500mg tablets Tell your doctor if you take or use any of the medicines mentioned below, as the effects of these medicines may change (interactions): –

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)

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. It may still be all right for you to use Salofalk 500mg tablets and your doctor will be able to decide, what is suitable for you. Pregnancy and breast-feeding 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 500mg tablets during pregnancy, if your doctor tells you to. You should also only use Salofalk 500mg tablets during breast-feeding, if your doctor tells you to, as this medicine may pass into breast milk. Driving and using machines Salofalk 500mg tablets have no or negligible influence on the ability to drive or use machines. Salofalk 500mg tablets contain sodium This medicinal product contains 49 mg sodium (main component of cooking/table salt) in each tablet. This is equivalent to 2.5% of the recommended maximum daily dietary intake of sodium for an adult.

How to take it

Salofalk 500mg tablets

Salofalk-500mg-tablets-Feb26-UK

Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. Method of administration Salofalk 500mg tablets are for oral use only. Take the tablets in the morning, at midday and in the evening, 1 hour before meals. They should be swallowed whole, not chewed, and taken with plenty of fluid. Dosage Adults and the elderly Ulcerative colitis acute episode Mesalazine (active substance) Salofalk 500mg gastro-resistant tablets

1.5 g-3.0 g

prevention of recurrence/long-term treatment 1.5 g

3×1 to 3×2

3×1

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 500mg tablets 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 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. To prevent a relapse to be determined individually, starting with15-30 mg mesalazine per kg body weight per day that should be given in divided doses. The total dose should not exceed the recommended 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. Duration of treatment The treatment of acute episodes of ulcerative colitis usually lasts 8 weeks. How long you will use the medicine depends upon your condition. Your doctor will decide how long you are to continue the medication. You should follow the treatment with Salofalk 500mg tablets regularly and consistently both during the acute episode of inflammation and also as long-term treatment, because this is the only way to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. If you think that the effect of Salofalk 500mg tablets is too strong or too weak, talk to your doctor. If you take more Salofalk 500mg tablets 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 500mg tablets on one occasion, just take your next dose as prescribed. Do not use a smaller amount. If you forget to take Salofalk 500mg tablets

Salofalk-500mg-tablets-Feb26-UK

Do not take a larger than normal dose of Salofalk 500mg tablets next time, but continue treatment at the prescribed dosage. If you stop taking Salofalk 500mg tablets Do not stop taking this product until you have talked to your doctor. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Possible side effects

Like all medicines, this medicine 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 500mg tablets immediately: –

–

–

General allergic reactions such as skin rash, fever, joint pain and/or breathing difficulties or a general inflammation of your large bowel (causing severe diarrhoea and abdominal pain). These reactions are very rare. A marked reduction of your general health, especially if accompanied by fever, and/or a sore throat and mouth. These symptoms can, very rarely, be due to a fall in the number of white cells in your blood, which may make you more prone to developing a serious infection (agranulocytosis). Other cells of the blood may also be affected (e.g., platelets or red cells causing aplastic anaemia or thrombocytopenia) and cause symptoms which may include unexplained bleeding, purple spots or patches under your skin, anaemia (feeling tired, weak and looking pale, especially on lips and nails). A blood test can confirm whether your symptoms are due to an effect of this medicine on your blood. These reactions are very rare. Serious skin rashes with reddish non-elevated, target-like or circular patches on the trunk, often with central blisters, skin peeling, ulcers of mouth, throat, nose, genitals and eyes, widespread rash, fever and enlarged lymph nodes. These can be preceded by fever and flu-like symptoms. These reactions occur in an unknown number of patients (frequency not known). Shortness of breath, chest pain or irregular heartbeat, or swollen limbs which may be indicative of cardiac hypersensitivity reactions. These reactions are rare. Problems with your kidney function (can occur very rarely), e.g., a change in the colour or amount of urine produced and swollen limbs or a sudden flank pain (caused by a kidney stone) (occur in an unknown number of patients (frequency not known)). Strong or recurrent headache, disturbed vision, or ringing or buzzing in the ears. These could be symptoms of increased pressure within your skull (idiopathic intracranial hypertension) (frequency not known [cannot be estimated from the available data]).

The following side effects have also been reported by patients using mesalazine: Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) Headache Rash, itching Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) Abdominal pain, diarrhoea, dyspepsia, wind (flatulence), nausea and vomiting Severe abdominal pain because of acute inflammation of the pancreas Changes in liver function parameters, changes in pancreatic enzymes Rare side effects (may affect less than 1 in 1,000 patients)

Salofalk-500mg-tablets-Feb26-UK

–

Dizziness Jaundice or abdominal pain because of liver and bile flow disorders Increased sensitivity of your skin to sun and ultraviolet light (photosensitivity) Joint pain Feeling weak or tired

Very rare side effects (may affect less than 1 in 10,000 patients) Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy) Shortness of breath, cough, wheezing, lung shadow on x-ray due to allergic and/or inflammatory lung conditions Hair loss and the development of baldness Muscle pain Reversible decrease in semen production Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly as follows: United Kingdom Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

How to store it

Salofalk 500mg tablets Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and the blister. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Do not store above 25C.

Contents of the pack and other information

What Salofalk 500mg tablets contain The active substance is mesalazine. One tablet of Salofalk 500mg tablets contains 500 mg mesalazine. The other ingredients are Calcium stearate; cellulose, microcrystalline; croscarmellose sodium; basic butylated methylacrylate copolymer (=Eudragit E); methacrylic acid-methyl methacrylate copolymer (1:1) (=Eudragit L); glycine; silica, colloidal anhydrous; hypromellose; macrogol 6000; sodium carbonate; povidone K25; talc; colouring agent: iron oxide hydrate (E 172) What Salofalk 500mg tablets look like and contents of the pack Salofalk 500mg tablets are oval, light yellow to ochre, gastro-resistant tablets, matt with smooth surface; they are not scored. Salofalk 500mg tablets are available in blister packs of 20, 45, 50, 90, 100 and 300 tablets. Not all package sizes may be marketed. Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer Salofalk-500mg-tablets-Feb26-UK

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 medicine is authorised in the Member States of the European Economic Area and in the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland) under the following names: United Kingdom (Northern Ireland): Salofalk. Germany: Falk-Asa. This leaflet was last revised in 02/2026.

Salofalk-500mg-tablets-Feb26-UK

Frequently asked questions about Salofalk 500mg gastro-resistant tablets

How do I take Salofalk 500mg gastro-resistant tablets?

Salofalk 500mg gastro-resistant tablets comes as tablet containing 500mg. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.

What is the active substance in Salofalk 500mg gastro-resistant tablets?

The active substance in Salofalk 500mg gastro-resistant tablets is mesalazine.

Are there equivalent medicines to Salofalk 500mg gastro-resistant tablets?

Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Pentasa Slow Release Tablets 500mg, Salcrozine 500 mg gastro-resistant tablets. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.

Where does this information come from?

This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Salofalk 500mg gastro-resistant tablets, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.

Can I get Salofalk 500mg gastro-resistant tablets without a prescription?

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.

About this leaflet

The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.

Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you are unwell, call NHS 111; in an emergency, call 999.

Medicines with the same active substance: Mesalazine (31 medicines)
See every medicine containing this substance, or browse the full A–Z of active substances.
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
Technical information intended for healthcare professionals (doctors and pharmacists). The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) is the official document approved by the MHRA/EMA. It does not replace the patient leaflet or a doctor’s advice.

4.1. Therapeutic indications

- For the treatment of acute episodes and the maintenance of remission of ulcerative colitis.

4.2. Posology and method of administration

Posology

Adults and elderly

Depending upon the clinical requirements in individual cases, the following daily doses are recommended:

For the treatment of acute episodes: 1.5g to 3.0g mesalazine in three divided doses (1 or 2 tablets of Salofalk 500mg three times daily).

For the maintenance of remission: 1.5g mesalazine in three divided doses (1 tablet of Salofalk 500mg three times daily).

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 30-50 mg/kg/day in divided doses. Maximum dose: 75 mg/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.

Duration of treatment

The treatment of acute episodes of ulcerative colitis usually lasts 8 weeks. The duration of use is determined by the physician.

For maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis, the dose can usually be reduced to 1.5g mesalazine/day (adults and adolescents with a body weight over 40kg) and 0.75g mesalazine/day (children/adolescents).

Method of administration:

Salofalk 500mg tablets should be taken in the morning, at midday and in the evening, 1 hour before meals. They should be swallowed whole, not chewed, and taken with plenty of fluid.

Treatment with Salofalk 500mg tablets should be administered regularly and consistently, both in the acute inflammatory stage and during maintenance therapy in order to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.

4.3. Contraindications

Salofalk 500mg tablets are contraindicated in cases of

- Hypersensitivity to the active substance, salicylates or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

- Severe impairment of hepatic or renal function.

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

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 three 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 500mg tablets 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 500mg tablets 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 500mg tablets 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 500mg tablets cause acute intolerance reactions such as abdominal cramps, acute abdominal pain, fever, severe headache and rash, therapy should be discontinued immediately.

Note

In rare cases, in patients who have undergone bowel resection/bowel surgery in the ileocoecal region with removal of the ileocoecal valve, it has been observed that Salofalk 500mg tablets were excreted undissolved in the stool, due to an excessively rapid intestinal passage.

This medicinal product contains 49 mg sodium per tablet, equivalent to 2.5% of the WHO recommended maximum daily intake of 2 g sodium for an adult.

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Specific interaction studies have not been performed.

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.

4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

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 the pregnancy or on the health of the fetus/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/fetal development, parturition or postnatal development.

Salofalk 500mg tablets should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit outweighs the possible risk.

Breast-feeding

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 500mg tablets 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.

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

mesalazine has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.

4.8. Undesirable effects

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)

Gastrointestinal 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

4.9. Overdose

There are rare data on overdose (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.

💬 Ask about this leaflet

Ask anything about Salofalk 500mg gastro-resistant tablets. 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.

Pharmacies in major towns and cities — see the list
Pharmacies by county and region — see the full list

Browse all 2,009 towns and cities →