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Pentasa- Who takes it?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 5/20/2010 2:30 PM (GMT 0)
I am considering asking my GI to try me on Pentasa oral meds as an alternative to my Salofalk tablets. I have heard from some here and done some of my own research and it may help me a bit more with my pancolitis.

What are your experiences with Pentasa?

Posted 5/20/2010 5:04 PM (GMT 0)
I have been on Pentasa for over a year now and I am very happy with it.  I take four pills twice daily and don't seem to have any problems at all other than occasionally seeing the pulpy leftovers in my stool.  They are huge too so I can only swallow one at a time.  The Pentasa works through your whole GI tract and uses the water in your system to dissolve the med.  Very minimal side effects from my experience with it. 

It is pricey though but I know that if you are in the US, there is a subsidy program available through the company that makes Pentasa.  I live in Canada so no subsidy is available but I am fortunate enough to have great coverage through work. 

Good luck.

Posted 5/20/2010 6:19 PM (GMT 0)

I have Pancolitis and have been on Pentasa for over a year now. It helps, but I can't maintain remission with it alone. I have just been taken off of Imuran and symptoms are returning.

Posted 5/20/2010 6:40 PM (GMT 0)
chuck....you should also be on rectal meds...why aren't you?

q
Posted 5/20/2010 7:57 PM (GMT 0)

Hi quincy.

I have just been taken off of imuran a couple days ago. I am going to try to call my doctor tomorrow. Was hoping to make it to the next appt as it's in less than 2 weeks. I will definetely ask him though.

I appreciate your ideas - if i can stay away from the much harsher drugs I will. I must say I was a bit suprised that symptoms began re-appearring after only being off of imuran for 3 days. I thought it would take some time to clear the body and I could discuss treatment options such as rectal meds with him next visit.

Is Rowasa the one you most recommend? it's a 5asa, not a steroid right?

Posted 5/20/2010 9:42 PM (GMT 0)
If you're in the US...yes, Rowasa is the 5ASA retention enema and comes in 2g and 4g...I'd suggest the 4g. There is also Pentasa...but from what I remember recently, there was another on them and there's a LOT more liquid to retain...so you might want to try the Rowasa instead.

They're not a steroid.....which is also an option, but if you can use the 5ASA...best a first consideration.

q
Posted 5/20/2010 9:50 PM (GMT 0)
Krissy are you thinking that the Salofalk isn't reaching the right side enough?
Posted 5/20/2010 10:59 PM (GMT 0)
quincy - i'm from Canada
Posted 5/20/2010 11:35 PM (GMT 0)
i used pentasa for more than 5 years and the best thing of pentasa that they have not any side effects in short and long term.....
Posted 5/21/2010 12:04 AM (GMT 0)
I dont know what im thinking..maybe that not enough salofalk is getting to where it needs to be?
Posted 5/21/2010 7:47 AM (GMT 0)
Chuck....It would be Salofalk, I use the 4g dosage.



Krissy....still worth a change methinks...now's the time.

q
Posted 5/21/2010 10:46 AM (GMT 0)
i use pentasa tablets 2 tablets twice daily, and salofalk enema once a day,,, no problems really x apart from hate the enema lol
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