What is Pentasa Tab (Asacol) prescribed for?
Pentasa is prescribed to treat mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis (UC)in adults. Diarrhea, bleeding, and stomach pain are symptoms of ulcerative colitis, which causes inflammation and ulcers in the bowel. An inflammation-causing, tissue-damaging, and diarrhea-causing substance in the body is affected by pentasa.
Pentasa Tab (Asacol) Information
Use of Pentasa Tab (Asacol)
Usually, this medication should be taken by mouth four times a day, with or without food, depending on your doctor's instructions. It is recommended to take this medication with meals if it is taken as a tablet.
The medication should be swallowed whole, not crushed, chewed, or broken. This can prevent the drug from being released properly into your colon.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have trouble swallowing the capsule. Usually you can open it and sprinkle its contents on applesauce or yogurt before taking it. Do not chew the mixture or prepare a supply in advance. Swallow the entire mixture right away without chewing it.
This medication will help prevent kidney stones if you drink plenty of fluids during treatment.
Depending on how you respond to treatment and your medical condition, the dosage will vary. You should take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. You should take it every day at the same time to help you remember to do so.
Do not hesitate to seek medical attention if you are not feeling better or if your condition worsens. Your doctor can discuss the risks and benefits of continuing treatment.
Possible side effects of Pentasa Tab (Asacol)
Few known side effects of Asacol include:
- upper stomach pain
- clay-colored stools
- skin rash
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- swelling in your feet or ankles
- dark urine
- easy bruising or bleeding
- vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- little or no urination
- bloody or tarry stools
- painful or difficult urination
- headache
- loss of appetite
- severe stomach pain
- tiredness
- bloody diarrhea
- coughing up blood
- stomach cramping
- feeling tired or short of breath
- fever
- changes in blood cell counts
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
Drug Interactions of Pentasa Tab (Asacol)
Few Known Drug Interactions of Pentasa Tab (Asacol):
- Tylenol (acetaminophen)
- Cymbalta (duloxetine)
- Xanax (alprazolam)
- Zyrtec (cetirizine)
- Protonix (pantoprazole)
- Wellbutrin XL (bupropion)
- Lexapro (escitalopram)
- Synthroid (levothyroxine)
- Metoprolol Tartrate (metoprolol)
- Zinc (zinc sulfate)
- Lyrica (pregabalin)
- Humira (adalimumab)
- Aspir 81 (aspirin)
- Aspirin Low Strength (aspirin)
- Flonase (fluticasone nasal)
- Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
- Remicade (infliximab)
- Singulair (montelukast)
- Lipitor (atorvastatin)
- Metoprolol Succinate ER (metoprolol)
- Zofran (ondansetron)
NSAIDS or Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, should not be used with pentasa. It can increase your risk of developing kidney disease.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of allergic reaction including trouble breathing or skin conditions.
This is not a complete list of Drug Interactions. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without consulting your doctor.
Asacol cost in Canada
Starting price of Asacol Tablet 400mg Cost in Canada
- 180 tabs - $181.92 USD ($1.01 per tabs)
- 360 tabs - $316.20 USD ($0.88 per tabs)
- 540 tabs - $464.37 USD ($0.86 per tabs)
Pentasa Tab cost in Canada
Starting price of Pentasa Tab 500mg (Equivalent to Asacol) Cost in Canada
- 100 tabs - $110.86 USD ($1.11 per tabs)
- 200 tabs - $201.74 USD ($1.01 per tabs)
- 300 tabs - $291.12 USD ($0.97 per tabs)
Pentasa Tab (Asacol) FAQs
Why is Pentasa so expensive?
Pentasa's cost is due to several factors, including the fact that brand-name medications tend to cost more than generic alternatives. Additionally, Pentasa's manufacturing process requires advanced technological equipment. In general, Pentasa's high price likely reflects the combination of these various factors.
Who makes Pentasa?
Pentasa tablets are manufactured by Ferring Inc. in Canada.
How long can you take Mesalamine?
It is safe to take mesalazine long-term. However, your doctor will want to monitor your kidney function while you are taking it. In rare cases, mesalazine can cause kidney problems, so these tests are usually done every three months for the first year.
Does Mesalamine cause weight gain?
There is no evidence that mesalamine, the active ingredient in Pentasa, causes weight gain. Instead, weight loss may occur when mesalamine is used to control active inflammatory bowel disease.
Can I Buy Pentasa Tab (Asacol) Over the Counter?
No, you cannot buy Pentasa Tab (Asacol) over the counter since it is a prescription medication. Prescriptions can only be written by licensed healthcare providers, such as physicians or nurse practitioners.