Pentasa, Asacol and your kidneys?

All medications, including ones sold over the counter one, have risk associated with them. Tylenol is a prime example. It is expressly written in the warnings for all mesalamine medications taken orally that those with impaired kidney function should use this medication with caution. This is especially true of elderly people because they tend to have decreased kidney function. My mother, age 85, takes Lialda and I know her PCM checks her kidney function 4-5 times a year because of this issue.

Are you having kidney issues from the mesalamine? If so, can you share what has happened? I am so sorry if you are having problems.

All mesalamine products can cause an intolerance syndrome in some people:
"Mesalamine may cause an acute intolerance syndrome that resembles a flare of inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) with cramping, abdominal pain, and bloody diarrhea. Fever, headache, itching, and rash also may occur. Symptoms usually subside once mesalamine is discontinued. "

Mesalamine products also discolor the urine. We have some members here that have had to replace the seats and/or lids on their toilets due to the staining from these types of meds.

Glad you are feeling better since you discontinued it.