Mesalazine-containing enteric-coated tablets are in short supply

The marketing authorisation holder Tillotts Pharma Ab has reported shortages of Asacol 400 mg enteric-coated tablets and Asacol 800 mg enteric-coated tablets. According to the marketing authorisation holder, the shortages are expected to end at the end of May. For up-to-date information on shortages of products subject to marketing authorisation reported to Fimea, please visit Fimea’s medicine shortages search portal.

Instructions for prescribers and patients 

Mesalazine products are used to treat ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. 

Fimea recommends prescribers to check the availability of Asacol 400 mg and 800 mg enteric-coated tablets before prescribing it to new patients and to consider prescribing an alternative product.

Patients who are unable to fill their Asacol prescription at a pharmacy should contact their doctor to discuss alternative treatment options.

Information on the availability of medicinal products

Pharmaceutical companies are responsible for placing medicines on the market and withdrawing medicines from the market. Fimea publishes information on shortages of medicines on its website, but it cannot influence the duration of the shortage of medicines or buy medicines to be used in Finland. Read more about the availability of medicines.