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Pentasa Mesalazine -- Granules vs Tablets?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 1/20/2018 6:03 PM (GMT 0)
Hello! I am new on this forum. I found it a few days ago because, well.. things are not going that well.

I have UC since 4 years now, normally without big complications. I take 2g Pentasa tablets in remission and between 3 or 4 when I have a flare.

Now I am travelling for a few a months and far away from my doctor. I will only see him in March. I have a weird flare with rollercoaster symptoms and run out of my tablets. I got a doctor to prescribe me more Pentasa, but in the pharmacy, I got granules instead of tablets (somewhere lost in translation). I tried them for two days, but as the symptoms are so changing and different from other times, I don't know if it is the flare or the change of medication. Both are Pentasa, 1G. is there a difference? can one be stronger than the other? what is the normal time to take the granules? morning and evenings?

And another question. The doctor also prescribed me Predinisolon in case things get worse or don't improve. He told me to take 50 mg per day for 5 days. Is this normal treatment? From what I have read, these treatments take longer than 5 days, so I am a bit suspicious about it. So far I have only has mesalazine.

I really can't wait to see my doctor, but I would appreciate your comments and personal experiences in the meantime.

Thanks!

Post Edited (florbar) : 1/20/2018 11:20:35 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 1/20/2018 6:49 PM (GMT 0)
Shouldn't be any change...both Pentasa tablets and granules are released higher in small intestine and then into the colon.

I strongly urge you to get on Pentasa rectal medication.......enemas specifically and the suppositories to support that when flaring. Enemas at night and supps during the day. The enemas come in 1g, 2g, 4g dosages. Considering UC starts at the rectum....it would be a better addition than prednisolone.

Of course, the rectals are a commitment medication. Many don't want to use that route for various reasons.

q
Posted 1/20/2018 8:31 PM (GMT 0)
I'd expect no difference between granules and pills.

Usually you're on pred for several months. 5-days isn't going to do much, other than delaying symptoms.
Posted 1/21/2018 10:40 AM (GMT 0)
@quinci Thanks for your reply. I will get an appointment with a doctor next week and ask him about the enemas and suppositories. Beyond the Mesalazine, I am in unknown territory, but willing to try.

Thanks @iPoop . I found the doctor's prescription a bit uncommon. I will actually give them a try, to see if they help me these days through my period, which I suspect is making things more complicated, but will definitely ask for a second opinion
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