Pentasa® (Mesalazine) Tablets for Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's

What Pentasa Is and How It Works

Pentasa® contains mesalazine (also called mesalamine). It is an aminosalicylate used to treat mild to moderate ulcerative colitis and some cases of Crohn’s disease. It works topically in the bowel to reduce inflammation. Oral tablets release mesalazine throughout the small intestine and colon. Dosing is usually divided across the day.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy in Manitoba. Our pharmacists review each prescription before dispensing. We offer brand and generic medicines at Canadian prices, including OTC items. Patients often compare Pentasa price and value across pharmacies, and some ask about pentasa without insurance options. Ordering is available online, and customer-service chat is available during posted office hours.

Authentic brand medications come from licensed, vetted partner pharmacies we trust, with broad selection and fair pricing.

Dosage and Usage

Follow the regimen set by the prescriber. Tablets are usually 500 mg. Many adults use 1 g to 4 g per day in divided doses. Swallow tablets whole. Do not crush or chew.

• Initiation: Some start at 1 g to 2 g daily, then adjust to response.
• Titration: Doses may increase up to 4 g daily for active disease.
• Maintenance: Lower daily doses often maintain remission.
• Missed dose: Take the next dose as scheduled. Do not double.
• Hydration: Adequate fluid intake is commonly advised with mesalazine.

Storage and travel:

• Store tablets at room temperature, away from moisture.
• Keep in the original container until use.
• Pack in a carry-on when flying. Keep with a copy of the prescription.
• Use a daily pill organizer if needed. Set phone reminders.

Pentasa tablets 500mg and other strengths may exist by region. A valid pentasa prescription is required for dispensing.

Benefits and Savings

Pentasa is used to reduce bowel inflammation and relieve symptoms. It can improve rectal bleeding, stool frequency, and urgency. Many patients maintain remission with continued therapy. Mesalazine Pentasa has a long safety record in inflammatory bowel disease.

Tablets release mesalazine along the intestine. This can help both small bowel and colonic disease areas. Once stable, maintenance dosing supports long-term control. Patients who pay without insurance may see meaningful savings by sourcing from Canada.

YouDrugstore offers Canadian pricing on brand mesalazine. Savings of 60–80% versus typical US prices are common. Multi-month supplies can lower per-month pentasa cost, and we send reorder reminders before you run low.

Side Effects and Safety

Most people tolerate mesalazine well. Side effects are usually mild and temporary. Contact a healthcare professional for new or severe symptoms.

• Common: headache, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, gas.
• Less common: rash, joint pain, dizziness, fatigue.
• Serious (seek urgent care): chest pain, shortness of breath, severe abdominal pain, signs of kidney problems (reduced urine), severe skin reaction, yellowing of skin or eyes.
• Allergy: Avoid if allergic to salicylates or mesalazine.
• Kidney and liver: Use with caution in impairment; lab monitoring may be required.
• Other cautions: History of pancreatitis, gastric ulcers, or G6PD deficiency warrants careful review.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Discuss risks and benefits with a healthcare professional.

Report persistent side effects to a prescriber or pharmacist.

Onset Time

Symptom relief with mesalazine can begin within one to three weeks. Full benefit may take longer in active disease. Maintenance dosing helps sustain remission once achieved.

Compare With Alternatives

Other mesalazine brands and forms are available. Rectal therapies target distal disease. For example, suppositories and enemas can deliver medicine directly to the rectum and left colon. Consider these when symptoms are mainly distal.

Some patients use Pentasa® Suppositories for proctitis. This local therapy can be combined with oral mesalazine in certain cases. Another oral mesalazine brand is Salofalk®, which offers differing release profiles and formulations. Choice depends on disease location, tolerance, and prescriber preference.

For flare control, topical steroids may be used. Entocort® Enema (budesonide) provides local anti-inflammatory action. Corticosteroids are generally for short-term use due to side effects. Biologics and immunomodulators are considered in moderate to severe disease unresponsive to aminosalicylates.

Combination Therapy

Mesalazine may be combined with rectal mesalazine for distal disease. Short courses of oral or rectal corticosteroids can treat flares. In more active or extensive disease, prescribers may add immunomodulators or biologics. The plan is individualized based on severity, location, and response.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Pentasa for ulcerative colitis is often started in mild to moderate cases. Pentasa for Crohn’s disease may be considered for select patients, especially with ileal or colonic involvement. It is not a steroid and does not cause steroid dependence. Those with salicylate allergy, severe kidney or liver disease, or prior mesalazine reaction may need alternatives.

To manage pentasa 500mg cost, consider larger fills when appropriate. Multi-month supply discounts can reduce the average monthly price. Our team can set gentle reorder reminders so refills arrive on time. See current pentasa coupons and bulk options on our promotions page.

If comparing pentasa 500 mg tablet price, review total landed costs. Include shipping and any dispensing fees. YouDrugstore offers clear pricing and helpful support. Customer-service chat is available during posted office hours. Pharmacists are available to address medication questions.

Use our site to order pentasa online with a valid prescription. We can ship to the United States. Savings can be significant for those paying without insurance. For related conditions, see Crohns Disease and Ulcerative Colitis pages. You may also find background reading in Ibs What Is Ibs Causes Symptoms Treatment and The Abdomen Part Iii The Right Lower Quadrant.

Authoritative Sources

Learn more from these trusted references:

• Pentasa official product page
• Health Canada Drug Product Database
• FDA Prescribing Information for Pentasa

YouDrugstore provides caring, professional service with Canadian pharmacy standards. Our team verifies prescriptions and supports safe use. Order online or by phone where available. We offer prompt, express, cold-chain shipping as needed, with careful packaging to protect your order.

This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always follow the guidance of a healthcare professional and the product monograph for complete directions, cautions, and interactions.