Pentasa

The active ingredient in Pentasa is mesalamine, which is an aminosalicylate. The precise mechanism of action of mesalamine is unknown. However, it seems to reduce gut inflammation, which helps alleviate UC symptoms inside the bowels.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-approved product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Pentasa. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Pentasa:

• The outcomes of some medical tests may be impacted by this medication. Inform any medical professional you see about your use of mesalamine.
• To help avoid kidney stones, drink a lot of water.
• You can take Pentasa with or without food.
• Do not chew or crush the contents of the capsule; instead, swallow it whole. If you have problems swallowing the capsule, let your doctor know.
• You can open a Pentasa capsule and mix the medication into a spoonful of applesauce or yogurt if you are unable to swallow it whole. Without chewing, swallow the entire mixture at once. Don't put it away until later.
• If your ulcerative colitis symptoms worsen or do not go away, give your doctor a call.
• You may need frequent blood tests to check your blood cells or kidney function.

The most common side effects of Pentasa include:

• Nausea or vomiting.
• Stomach pain or abdominal pain.
• Indigestion or diarrhea.
• Loss of appetite.
• Weight loss.
• Bloody diarrhea.
• Dizziness.
• Flu or cold symptoms like sore throat.
• Back pain.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Pentasa. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Worsening symptoms of ulcerative colitis.
• Blood in the urine, difficulty peeing, changes in urine volume, back or side pain, fever, chills, and kidney issues (including kidney stones).
• Liver issues include fatigue, black urine, worsening stomach pain, and yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).
• Rashes, hives, skin rash, trouble breathing, chest pain, and swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, or throat are all signs of hypersensitivity or allergic reaction.
• Mesalamine can cause severe skin reactions, called Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP): blisters, hives, skin discoloration, and peeling; may or may not be accompanied by fever or body pains.
• Acute intolerance syndrome: cramping, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, fever, headache, fatigue, itching, and rash.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Pentasa. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Pentasa, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Kidney disease, kidney problems, or a kidney stone.
• Liver disease or other liver problems.
• An obstruction in your intestines or stomach (like pyloric stenosis).
• A skin disorder like eczema.
• Allergies to mesalamine, aspirin, sulfasalazine, or salicylates (including Disalcid, Doans Pills, Dolobid, Kaopectate, Nuprin Backache, Pepto-Bismol, Tricosal, Trilisate, and others) should prevent you from using Pentasa.
• Other medicines used for UC, like prednisone, can suppress the immune system.
• Mesalamine can make your skin more sensitive to light from the sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. This is called photosensitivity. Avoid if possible.

• Allergy to aspirin or other salicylates.
• Hypersensitivity reactions, including myocarditis and pericarditis.

The symptoms of UC may not go away with mesalamine for a few weeks. After 6 or 8 weeks of treatment, patients taking various oral formulations of mesalamine reported improvements in their UC symptoms. Results may be seen as quickly as two weeks after starting a higher dose of mesalamine for certain patients. Because it may take a few weeks to notice any changes, don't give up and keep taking the prescription as directed by your doctor. Check in with your provider to see if mesalamine is assisting with your UC symptoms.

When Pentasa is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Azathioprine.
• Mercaptopurine or 6-mercaptopurine.
• NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen.

For Treating Mild to Moderate Ulcerative Colitis (UC) or for Maintenance Treatment:

Pentasa (extended-release capsules): Adults usually take 1 gram (four 250-mg capsules or two 500-mg capsules) four times daily for up to eight weeks.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Store Pentasa at room temperature and out of reach of children.

Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc. is the manufacturing company of Pentasa.

There are a few lower-cost generic versions of Pentasa available.

Your condition can deteriorate if you abruptly stop taking it. If you experience any discomfort while taking Pentasa, notify your physician or pharmacist right away. The majority of people benefit from this medication, but some people may experience unfavourable side effects.

If you are or intend to become pregnant, let your doctor know. The potential risks of mesalamine to a developing fetus are unknown. Premature birth or low birth weight are two consequences of untreated or uncontrolled ulcerative colitis during pregnancy. Any hazards to the unborn child may be outweighed by the advantages of treating ulcerative colitis.

Breastfeeding while taking this medication might not be safe as the medication could pass through the breast milk. Enquire about any risks with your physician. If you observe diarrhea in your nursing infant, let your doctor know.