- Pentasa®
- Asacol®
- Mezavant XL®
- Octasa®
- Salofalk®
Important safety information
There have been very rare reports of increased pressure within the skull, known as Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH), in some patients taking mesalazine.
IIH is not usually life-threatening, but in rare cases it can lead to serious vision problems. Early recognition, monitoring, and treatment are important to reduce the risk of long-term complications.
Symptoms to be aware of
Please contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms, particularly if they are new, worsening, or recurring:
- Increasingly severe or persistent headaches
- Disturbed, blurred, or double vision
- Temporary loss of vision or “grey-outs”
- Ringing or buzzing noises in the ears (often in time with your heartbeat)
- Pain behind the eyes
- Dizziness
- Neck or back pain
These may be symptoms of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension and require medical assessment.
What is Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH)?
Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) is a condition in which there is raised pressure around the brain, but no clear underlying cause can be identified (this is what “idiopathic” means).
Inside the skull are the brain, nerves, and a fluid called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In IIH, this fluid may build up or fail to drain properly, leading to increased pressure.
In simple terms:
IIH is raised pressure in the head without an obvious reason.
Why this matters
If raised pressure is not identified and managed, it can affect the optic nerves and lead to permanent sight problems. For this reason, prompt assessment, regular monitoring, and follow-up are essential where IIH is suspected.
If you have concerns or develop symptoms while taking mesalazine, please contact the practice for advice.