Consumer medicine information

SALOFALK® enemas


Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary

The full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.


1. Why am I using SALOFALK enemas?

SALOFALK enemas contain the active ingredient mesalazine (5-aminosalicylic acid). SALOFALK enemas are used to treat, and prevent relapses of mild to moderate attacks of ulcerative colitis (inflammation of the large bowel).

For more information, see Section 1. Why am I using SALOFALK enemas? in the full CMI.

2. What should I know before I use SALOFALK enemas?

Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to SALOFALK enemas or any of the ingredients listed at the end of the CMI.

Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines, or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

For more information, see Section 2. What should I know before I use SALOFALK enemas? in the full CMI.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Some medicines may interfere with SALOFALK enemas and affect how it works.

A list of these medicines is in Section 3. What if I am taking other medicines? in the full CMI.

4. How do I use SALOFALK enemas?

  • The usual dose is one enema a day at bedtime, although the doctor or pharmacist will tell you exactly how much to use and where to check this information.
  • This medicine may only be used rectally, so it has to be inserted through the anus. Do NOT take it by mouth.

More instructions can be found in Section 4. How do I use SALOFALK enemas? in the full CMI.

5. What should I know while using SALOFALK enemas?

Things you should do
  • Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using SALOFALK enemas.
  • Remind them if any new medicines are about to be started.
Things you should not do
  • Do not use SALOFALK enemas to treat any complaint other than that directed by your doctor. It may not be safe to use SALOFALK enemas for another complaint.
  • Do not give SALOFALK enemas to someone else even if their symptoms are the same. It may not be safe for another person to use SALOFALK enemas.
Driving or using machines
  • This medicine is not expected to affect your ability to drive a car or operate machinery.
  • However, you should still be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how SALOFALK enema affects you. SALOFALK enemas may cause dizziness in some people.
Looking after your medicine
  • Keep SALOFALK enemas in their original package until it is time to use them. If you take them out of their packaging, they may not keep well.
  • Keep SALOFALK enemas in a cool dry place, protected from light, where the temperature stays below 30°C.
  • Keep it where children cannot reach it.
  • A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.

For more information, see Section 5. What should I know while using SALOFALK enemas? in the full CMI.

6. Are there any side effects?

All medicines can have side effects. If they do occur, they are usually mild and temporary. The most common side effects using SALOFALK enemas are: headache, mild stomach pains, excessive gas in the stomach or bowel, increased number of bowel motions, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, rash or itchy skin.

For more information, including what to do if you have any side effects, see Section 6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.

SALOFALK® enemas

Active ingredient: mesalazine


Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)

This leaflet provides important information about using SALOFALK enemas. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information or if you have any concerns or questions about using SALOFALK enemas.

Where to find information in this leaflet:

1. Why am I using SALOFALK enemas?
2. What should I know before I use SALOFALK enemas?
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
4. How do I use SALOFALK enemas?
5. What should I know while using SALOFALK enemas?
6. Are there any side effects?
7. Product details

1. Why am I using SALOFALK enemas?

SALOFALK enemas contain the active ingredient mesalazine (5-aminosalicylic acid). Mesalazine is an anti-inflammatory agent used to treat inflammatory bowel disease.

SALOFALK enemas are used to treat, and prevent relapses of mild to moderate attacks of ulcerative colitis (inflammation of the bowel).

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why SALOFALK enemas have been prescribed for you.

Your doctor may have prescribed SALOFALK enemas for another reason.

Do not give SALOFALK enemas to a child below 12 years of age. The safety and effectiveness of SALOFALK enemas in this group have not been established.

2. What should I know before I use SALOFALK enemas?

Warnings

Do not use SALOFALK enemas if:

  • you are allergic to mesalazine, to salicylates such as acetylsalicylic acid (e.g. Aspirin®) or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet. Signs of allergic reactions may include itchy skin rash, shortness of breath and swelling of the face or tongue.
  • you suffer from a severe kidney or liver problem.
  • the expiry date (EXP) printed on the pack has passed.
    If you use this medicine after the expiry date has passed, it may not work as well.
  • the product pack is torn or shows signs of tampering.
  • Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine. If unsure, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Check with your doctor if you:

  • have any allergies.
  • have or have had any other medical conditions, especially lung or breathing problems such as asthma. SALOFALK enemas contain sulfite which may cause an allergic reaction.
  • have kidney problems. Kidney stones may develop with use of mesalazine, the active ingredient of SALODALK enemas. Symptoms may include pain in the side of abdomen and blood in urine. Take care to drink sufficient amounts of liquid during treatment with SALOFALK enemas.
  • have liver problems.
  • have ever developed a severe skin rash or skin peeling, blistering and/or mouth sores after using mesalazine.

If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell them before you start to use SALOFALK enemas.

Serious skin reactions including drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) have been reported in association with mesalazine treatment. Stop using SALOFALK enemas and seek medical attention immediately if you notice any of the symptoms related to these serious skin reactions described in Side effects section below.

SALOFALK enemas contain potassium metabisulphite and sodium benzoate.

This medicine contains potassium metabisulphite. It may therefore cause allergic reactions like allergic shock and bronchial constriction (bronchospasm) particularly if you suffer from asthma or have a history of allergies.

SALOFALK enemas also contain sodium benzoate which may provoke hypersensitivity reactions like irritation of the skin, eyes and mucous membranes.

People who take medicines containing mesalazine, such as SALOFALK enemas, may notice red-brown discolouration in the toilet bowl. This is due to mesalazine in the urine of these people coming in contact with sodium hypochlorite bleach used to clean the toilet. This is the result of a chemical reaction between mesalazine and bleach and is harmless.

During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information under Section 6. Are there any side effects?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.

Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.

Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of using SALOFALK enemas if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

SALOFALK enemas may interfere with the action of the following types of medicines:

  • anticoagulants which are medicines used to stop blood clots, e.g. warfarin.

Some medicines may interfere with SALOFALK and affect how it works.

  • glucocorticoids which are medicines used to treat inflammation or swelling, e.g. prednisolone
  • sulphonylureas which are medicines used to lower blood sugar
  • methotrexate which is a medicine used to treat some types of cancer and arthritis.
  • probenecid/sulphinpyrazone which are medicines used to treat gout
  • spironolactone/frusemide which are medicines which lower blood pressure or increase volume of urine
  • rifampicin which is a medicine used to treat tuberculosis
  • azathioprine which is a medicine used to suppress the immune system
  • mercaptopurine or thioguanine which are medicines used to treat leukaemia.

You may need to use different amounts of the above medicines, or you may need to take different medicines when you are using SALOFALK enemas. Your doctor or pharmacist will advise you.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking and if these affect SALOFALK enemas.

4. How do I use SALOFALK enemas?

How much to use

  • The usual dose is one enema a day at bedtime, although the doctor or pharmacist will tell you exactly how much to use and where to find this information.
  • Follow the instructions provided and use SALOFALK enemas until your doctor tells you to stop.

When to use SALOFALK enemas

  • SALOFALK enemas should be used at bedtime.

How to use SALOFALK enemas

  1. If possible, go to the toilet and empty your bowels before using the enema.
  2. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
  3. Using a pair of scissors carefully cut along the dotted line of the pack containing the enema bottle. Take care not to cut or damage the bottle.
  4. Shake the enema bottle for 30 seconds.
  5. Remove the protective cap from the applicator. Place your thumb on the base of the bottle, with your index and second finger, placed at the top of the bottle and below the applicator for support as shown in the figure below.

  1. Lie down on your left side with the left leg outstretched and the right leg bent (see figure below).

  1. Gently guide the applicator deep into your rectum. Lubricant has been applied to applicator for your comfort.
  2. To administer the enema into your rectum, slowly push your thumb inwards against the base of the bottle. The concertina design of the bottle will help you to administer the enema.
  3. Remove the applicator from the rectum when the bottle is empty.
  4. Remain lying down for at least 30 minutes to allow the enema to spread throughout the lower part of the large intestine.

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly and try not to empty your bowels again until the next morning.

You may experience a little discomfort and a feeling of urgency to empty your bowels immediately after enema administration. This is normal and expected due to the inflammation present within the bowel. Try to resist this urge to empty your bowels for as long as possible. This feeling will subside as treatment continues and the inflammation decreases.

How long to use SALOFALK enemas

This medicine helps control your condition but does not cure it. Therefore, you must use it for as long as you doctor tells you to.

If you forget to use SALOFALK enemas

SALOFALK enemas should be used regularly at the same time each day. If you miss your dose at the usual time, leave out that dose completely. Use your next dose at the normal time it is due.

If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to.

Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed. If you are not sure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

If you have trouble remembering when to use SALOFALK enemas, ask your pharmacist for some hints.

If you use too much SALOFALK enemas

If you think that you have used too much SALOFALK enemas, you may need urgent medical attention.

You should immediately:

  • phone the Poisons Information Centre
    (by calling 13 11 26) for advice, or
  • contact your doctor, or
  • go to the Accident & Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.

You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

Possible symptoms of overdose may include feeling sick, vomiting and diarrhoea.

5. What should I know while using SALOFALK enemas?

Things you should do

Make sure that all of your doctors and pharmacists who are treating you know you are using SALOFALK enemas. Remind them if any new medicines are about to be started.

Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant or wish to breastfeed while using SALOFALK enemas.

Things you should not do

  • Do not use SALOFALK enemas to treat any complaint other than that directed by your doctor. It may not be safe to use SALOFALK enemas for another complaint.
  • Do not give SALOFALK enemas to someone else even if their symptoms are the same. It may not be safe for another person to use SALOFALK enemas.

Driving or using machines

This medicine is not expected to affect your ability to drive a car or operate machinery. However, be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how SALOFALK enemas affects you.

SALOFALK enemas may cause dizziness in some people.

Looking after your medicine

  • Keep SALOFALK enemas in their original product pack until it is time to use them. If you take them out of their packaging they may not keep well.
  • Keep SALOFALK enemas in a cool dry place, protected from light, where the temperature stays below 30°C.

Follow the instructions in the carton on how to take care of your medicine properly.

Store it in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight; for example, do not store it:

  • in the bathroom or near a sink, or
  • in the car or on window sills.

Keep it where young children cannot reach it. A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.

Getting rid of any unwanted medicine

If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date.

6. Are there any side effects?

All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.

See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any further questions about side effects.

Less serious side effects

Less serious side effects What to do
  • headache
  • mild stomach pain
  • excessive gas in the stomach or bowel
  • increased number of bowel motions
  • diarrhoea
  • nausea (feeling sick)
  • rash or itchy skin
  • dizziness
  • common cold
  • fever, muscle aches and pains, painful joints and chest pain (sometimes spreading to the neck and shoulders, and sometimes fever)
  • mild skin rash, itching or hives
  • numbness, tingling or weakness of the arms and legs
  • pain in the upper belly (may be due to inflammation of the pancreas)
  • worsening of ulcerative colitis.
Speak to your doctor if you have any of these mild effects and they worry you.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects What to do
  • general allergic reaction 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)
  • marked reduction of general health, especially if accompanied by fever and/or sore throat or mouth. Very rarely this can be due to a low white blood cell count (agranulocytosis), which may increase the risk of developing a serious infection. Other blood cells may also be affected (e.g. platelets or red cells causing aplastic anemia or thrombocytopenia) with symptoms which may include unexplained bleeding, purple spots or patches under your skin, anemia (feeling tired, weak and looking pale, especially on lips and nails). A blood test can confirm whether your symptoms are due to this medicine. 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 color 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)). As a precaution, your doctor may have your blood, liver and kidney tested regularly during treatment with this medicine.

Other rare events, which have been reported with mesalazine include:

  • changes in liver function tests
  • liver disease with nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, feeling generally unwell, fever, itching, yellowing of the skin and eyes, and dark colored urine
  • allergic, inflammatory or other lung conditions
  • shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, cough, wheezing, chest pain that worsens when breathing, lung shadow on x-ray due to allergic and/or inflammatory lung conditions.
  • increased sensitivity of the skin to sun and ultraviolet light (photosensitivity)
  • reversible decrease in semen production (oligospermia)

hair loss and the development of baldness (alopecia)

Call your doctor straight away, or go straight to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital if you notice any of these serious side effects.

As a precaution, your doctor may have your blood, liver and kidney tested regularly during treatment with SALOFALK enemas.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything which is unusual, including anything else that may be making you feel unwell.

Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.

Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them.

Reporting side effects

After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop taking/using any of your medicines.

7. Product details

This medicine is only available with a doctor’s prescription.

What SALOFALK enemas contain

Active ingredient
(main ingredient)
mesalazine 2.0 g or 4 g
Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)
  • carbomer 934P
  • disodium edetate
  • potassium acetate
  • potassium metabisulphite
  • sodium benzoate
  • xanthan gum
  • water – purified.

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.

What SALOFALK enemas look like

SALOFALK enemas are a very light tan to brown suspension.

They are available as a product pack containing 7 enema bottles.

SALOFALK enemas Australian Registration Numbers:
2 g/30 mL: AUST R 80651
2 g/60 mL: AUST R 80653
4 g/60 mL: AUST R 80652

Not all strengths are available in Australia.

Who distributes SALOFALK enemas

Dr Falk Pharma Australia Pty Ltd,
815 Pacific Highway,
Chatswood, NSW 2067,
Australia

SALOFALK® is a registered trademark of Dr. Falk Pharma GmbH, Germany.

This leaflet was prepared in June 2023.

Published by MIMS October 2023