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Pentasa - any connections with migraine?

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 10/22/2010 8:17 PM (GMT 0)

I have ulcerative colitis and have been taking Asacol for 12 years. I stopped for a couple of months at my doctor's suggestion, as I'd had IBS for a few weeks and also my white blood cell count had gone down. I started to feed better, then the specialist switched me to Pentasa. I've only been on it for a couple of weeks, but my tum is worse, I get more diarrhoea and am now getting migraines. Don't know whether this is a coincidence, or not. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks. 

Posted 10/22/2010 11:57 PM (GMT 0)
Asacol and Pentasa are the same drug - mesalamine. The only difference is that Pentasa is coated so it works better in the lower part of the small intestine.

From your description it sounds like you may have developed a sensitivity to sulpha or aspirin. You can have problems with a drug even after years of taking it.

Because you are having headaches, I would immediately stop using it and contact your specialist about your symptoms. Severe headaches are one of the side effects listed that are supposed to be reported to your doctor promptly.

I would make sure the specialist knows about the leukopenia (low WBC) when you were on Asacol plus the new symptoms.
Posted 10/23/2010 6:43 AM (GMT 0)
Both Pentasas and pred drugs (including Entocort) cause me to get severe headaches incl migraines. My GI after asking him (since also while on remicade I got horrid headaches) I was on Elavil (aka amitryptaline) to help prevent them
Posted 10/23/2010 9:40 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, i to suffered with headaches while on pentasa along with joint pain. Bev x
Posted 10/23/2010 2:27 PM (GMT 0)
I am allergic to sulfa meds, so I respectfully disagree with RLS saying these are sulfa meds.  But..I take Asacol and have successfully taken it for years.  Pentasa gave me really bad bloating and diarrhea.  Azulfadine (sp?) is a sulfa drug and it gives me headaches.  I think thats where RLS is getting the idea that these are sulfa meds, but there not.  Hugs!
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