Generic name:  balsalazide  [ bal-SAL-a-zide ]
Brand names: Colazal, Giazo
Drug class:  5-aminosalicylates

The Giazo brand name has been discontinued in the U.S. If generic versions of this product have been approved by the FDA, there may be  generic equivalents available .

What is Giazo?

The  Colazal  brand of  balsalazide  is used to treat mild to moderate active  ulcerative colitis  in adults and children who are at least 5 years old.

The Giazo brand of balsalazide is used to treat mild to moderate active ulcerative  colitis  in men who are at least 18 years old.

Giazo may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions,  allergies , and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Giazo if you are allergic to Giazo or  mesalamine , or to  aspirin  or other  salicylates  (including  Kaopectate , Pamprin,  Pepto-Bismol , Tricosal, Trilisate, and others).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease;
• liver disease ; or
• a stomach condition called pyloric stenosis.

Giazo tablets contain sodium. Talk to your doctor before using this form of balsalazide if you are on a low salt diet.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether Giazo will harm an unborn baby. However, having active ulcerative colitis during pregnancy may cause premature delivery or low birth weight. The benefit of treating ulcerative colitis may outweigh any risks to the baby.

If you are breastfeeding, tell your doctor if you notice  diarrhea  in the nursing baby.

Giazo capsules should not be given to a child younger than 5 years old. This medicine tablets should not be given to anyone under 18 years old.

How should I take Giazo?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Giazo can be taken with or without food.

If you cannot swallow a capsule whole, open it and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of applesauce. Swallow the mixture right away. Medicine from the capsule may stain your teeth or tongue yellow/orange when mixed with food. Do not save the mixture for later use.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Giazo is usually taken only for a short time (8 to 12 weeks). Follow your doctor’s dosing instructions very carefully.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Detailed Giazo dosage information

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking Giazo?

Follow your doctor’s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Giazo side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:  hives ; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Giazo may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• pain or burning when you urinate;
• worsening colitis symptoms–fever, stomach pain, cramps, or bloody diarrhea;
• kidney problems–little or no urinating, swelling, rapid weight gain;
• liver problems–upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools,  jaundice  (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• low red blood cells (anemia)–pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath,  cold hands  and feet.

Common side effects of Giazo may include:

• headache ;
• mild or occasional  nausea ,  vomiting , stomach pain, diarrhea;
• joint pain;
• fever; or
• cold symptoms  such as stuffy nose, sneezing,  sore throat .

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Giazo side effects  (more detail)

What other drugs will affect Giazo?

Other drugs may affect Giazo, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines,  vitamins , and  herbal products . Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

source :: https://www.drugs.com/mtm/giazo.html