Pentasa (Mesalamine)

Do’s

• Take Pentasa exactly as directed by your healthcare provider, typically 4 times daily.
• Take Pentasa with meals if you're using the tablet form. You can take the capsule form with or without food.
• If you have trouble swallowing the capsules, open them and sprinkle the contents on applesauce or yogurt. Swallow the mixture immediately without chewing and don't prepare it in advance.
• Drink plenty of fluids while using Pentasa unless your healthcare provider advises otherwise. This helps prevent kidney stones.
• Take Pentasa consistently at the same times each day for maximum benefit.
• Inform your healthcare provider if your condition doesn't improve or worsens.

Don'ts

• Do not crush, chew, or break them. This ensures proper release of the medication in your colon. Swallow the capsules whole.
• Don't take Pentasa at a different dosage or schedule than prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Don't change the capsules in any way (crushing, chewing, breaking).
• Don't take the tablet form without food.
• Don't chew the medication mixture after opening the capsule.
• Don't skip doses or stop taking Pentasa without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Don't hesitate to talk to your healthcare provider about any side effects you experience.

Common side effects:

• Burping
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat
• Headache
• Rash
• Abnormal liver function tests

Serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention include:

• Nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop
• Signs of kidney problems, such as change in the amount of urine, blood in the urine
• Dark urine
• Severe stomach/abdominal pain
• Yellowing of eyes/skin
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Serious allergic reaction, including fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash, itching/swelling
• Liver problems
• Mesalamine-induced acute intolerance syndrome, with symptoms similar to an ulcerative colitis flare-up
• Severe skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis
• Bloody diarrhea
• Allergic reaction
• Serious eye symptoms, such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Pentasa,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Let your healthcare provider know if you have allergies to mesalamine, other aminosalicylates, salicylates (aspirin), sulfasalazine, or any other ingredients in Pentasa.

Inform your healthcare provider about any pre-existing health conditions, especially kidney disease, liver disease, or stomach blockage.

Pentasa may increase sun sensitivity, especially for those with skin problems. Limit sun exposure, avoid tanning beds/lamps, wear sunscreen, and use protective clothing. Report sunburn or skin irritation to your healthcare provider.

Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you take (including Pentasa) before any surgery.

Children and teenagers under 18 with chickenpox, flu, undiagnosed illness, or recent vaccination should avoid Pentasa (and aspirin-like medications) due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.

Discuss risks and benefits of Pentasa with your healthcare provider if you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Pentasa passes into breast milk and may affect the nursing infant. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.

Tell your healthcare provider about all medications you take (prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products) to avoid potential interactions. Don't adjust medications yourself without your healthcare provider's approval. Specifically, avoid medications containing balsalazide, olsalazine, or sulfasalazine while using Pentasa.

Pentasa may affect certain lab tests (urine normetanephrine levels). Inform your healthcare provider about taking Pentasa.