Pancreatitis after rectal administration of 5-aminosalicylic acid

A patient treated with sulfasalazine for new-onset ulcerative colitis developed self-limited pancreatitis. Rechallenge with 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) in enema form (Rowasa) again induced pancreatitis. Recent case reports suggest that the salicylate component of sulfasalazine can lead to the development of pancreatitis with oral 5-ASA administration. This patient's course demonstrates further that rechallenge with 5-ASA in a rectal form may also lead to pancreatitis.