About PENTASA

What is PENTASA?

PENTASA is an anti-inflammatory drug containing mesalamine, which helps to reduce inflammation in the intestine.

Specifically, PENTASA is approved for the induction of remission and for the treatment of mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis.

PENTASA delivers mesalamine to your small and large intestine in a special way. Here’s how it works:

Each PENTASA capsule has a gelatin-like coating. Once inside your stomach, the coating dissolves, releasing tiny semiporous spheres. These spheres help deliver the mesalamine to your small and large intestine.
Water found inside your intestine flushes mesalamine out from the spheres.
Once the mesalamine is released, the drug is free to help reduce the inflammation.

PENTASA is approved for the induction of remission and for the treatment of mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis.
PENTASA is generally well tolerated and most side effects are mild. In worldwide clinical studies, the most common side effects were diarrhea, headache, nausea, abdominal pain, upset stomach, vomiting, and rash. As with other medications, some serious side effects may occur. You should not take PENTASA if you are allergic to salicylates, such as aspirin. Tell your doctor if you have problems with your liver or kidneys. While taking PENTASA, visit your doctor periodically. If you have any questions about PENTASA, please talk to your doctor.