Pentasa contains 5- aminosalicylic acid, also known as 5-ASA, mesalamine or mesalazine. It is an anti-inflammatory drug used to treat and help maintain remission and prevention of relapse in patients with Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s Disease. The medication is believed to act by blocking the production and action of certain substances (such as cyclooxygenase, prostaglandins) involved in causing inflammation. Pentasa passes through colon and rectum to provide relief from this inflammation and reduces symptoms such as bloody stools and diarrhea. Always take Pentasa as directed by your doctor. The usual adult dose of Pentasa Extended-release tablets for mild to moderate Ulcerative Colitis is 0.5 mg four times daily. For, Crohn’s disease, the dose of these tablets is 1 g four times daily.
Pentasa Extended Release tablets should not be chewed, crushed or broken but should be swallowed as a whole with plenty of water. The tablets should be taken with meals. Pentasa suppository is not to be taken by mouth. It is recommended to empty the bowel before administration of suppository. You can lubricate the suppository with a water-based lubricant to help in the insertion of the suppository. Using a rubber finger protector on your index finger, insert the suppository, either end first, into the rectum. The insertion of the suppository can be done in a standing position or with one leg bent. The suppository should be inserted into the rectum as far as possible and retained as long as possible to achieve best results. For using Pentasa Enema, it is best to empty the bowel immediately before the enema is given in order to achieve effective results. Use one enema at bedtime, for a period as directed by your doctor. Retain the enema overnight for best results. Read the instructions carefully on the leaflet that comes with the rectal suspension, before using it.
Manufacturer Information
Pentasa Extended Release is available from Canada manufactured by Ferring Pharmaceuticals. This medication is supplied in the form of extended-release tablets with the dosage of 500 mg or 1000 mg. The 500 mg tablets are available in HDPE bottles containing 240 or 500 tablets and the 1000 mg tablets are available in HDPE bottles containing 120 tablets. Pentasa extended release is also available as a rectal suspension in the dosage form of 1 g or 4 g per 100 mL. This medication is also available as a suppository that contains 1 g of mesalazine and is supplied as sealed in aluminium blisters made of double aluminium push through foils. Our Canadian Pharmacy also carries
Canasa and
Asacol.
Stop taking Pentasa and call your doctor at once if you have one of these serious side effects:
• Acute Intolerance Syndrome (symptoms include cramping, acute stomach pain, blood and excessive stools, fever, headache and rash
• Anemia
• Bleeding problems
• Hepatitis
• Inflamed and swollen pancreas
• Serious allergic reaction
Less serious side effects include pain in the abdomen, vomiting, rash, tiredness, fever, back pain, dizziness, headache, itchiness on skin, diarrhea, nausea, trembling or shaking, ear or throat pain, racing heartbeat, changes in blood pressure, pain or bloating in stomach, indigestion, hair loss, acne, rashes, joint pain, weakness, swollen face, inflammation of pancreas or colon. Please call your doctor if you have any further concerns or questions.
Do not take or use Pentasa if you are allergic to mesalamine or any other ingredients in Pentasa Extended Release, are allergic to salicylates including acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), have severe kidney problems, severe liver disease, stomach or intestinal ulcer, urinary tract obstruction, the patient is an infant under 2 years of age. It is important to tell your healthcare professional about all other medicines that you have taken recently including any kind of supplements and non-prescription drugs. Some medicines which can interact with Pentasa Extended Release include anti-inflammatory drugs such as NSAIDs and azathioprine (increased risk of kidney reactions), azathioprine (used to treat rheumatoid arthritis) or 6-mercaptopurine (used to treat cancer and auto-immune diseases) (increased possibility of having abnormal blood cells), anticoagulants such as warfarin, coumarin, probenecid (a medicine used to treat gout and hyperuricemia), sulfinpyrazone (a medicine used to treat gout), spironolactone or Furosemide (medicines used to treat heart failure), rifampicin (an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis), methotrexate (used to treat autoimmune disease).
How long does it take for Pentasa to start working?
Pentasa starts working to reduce inflammation in your bowel right away but it may take a few weeks before your symptoms improve.
How should I use Pentasa Extended Release tablets?
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually four times daily. If you are taking the capsule form of this medication, you may take it with or without food. If you are taking the tablet form of this medication, take it with meals.