Pentasa® Tablets for Ulcerative Colitis

Pentasa is a mesalamine treatment used to manage mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. This page explains how it works, who it suits, and how to store and use it safely. Ships from Canada to US access can help with the Cost of Pentasa® without insurance.

What Pentasa Is and How It Works

Border Free Health connects U.S. patients with licensed Canadian partner pharmacies; prescriptions are verified with prescribers before dispensing. Pentasa® contains mesalamine, a 5‑aminosalicylic acid medicine that acts locally in the bowel. It helps reduce inflammation in the lining of the colon by blocking inflammatory mediators in the intestinal mucosa.

The treatment releases its active ingredient throughout the intestine. It is designed to deliver mesalamine where the inflammation occurs in ulcerative colitis. You can learn more background in our overview article Pentasa Medication.

Who It’s For

This therapy is indicated for adults with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis, for induction and maintenance of remission when prescribed. Many labels specify use under supervision of a prescriber familiar with inflammatory bowel disease.

Pentasa for ulcerative colitis is not right for everyone. People with known hypersensitivity to salicylates or aminosalicylates should avoid it. Those with severe kidney or liver impairment, a history of myocarditis or pericarditis related to mesalamine, or gastric outlet obstruction should discuss risks with a prescriber.

See related condition guides: Ulcerative Colitis and Crohns Disease.

Dosage and Usage

Follow your prescriber’s directions and the official label. Typical adult regimens use divided doses across the day for flare management and ongoing control. Swallow tablets whole with water. Do not crush or chew. You may take it with or without food as directed.

Take doses at evenly spaced times to support steady gut exposure. If your label or prescriber advises a unit such as Mesalazine 500mg, use only as directed. Drink adequate fluids each day unless told otherwise. Keep taking the medicine unless your prescriber advises a change.

For comparative context on mesalamine options, see Asacol Vs Pentasa.

Strengths and Forms

Availability can vary by country and manufacturer. The tablet presentation is a prolonged‑release form designed for intestinal delivery. Commonly published options include Mesalazine tablets 500mg. Some markets may also offer a lower‑dose option or additional pack sizes.

Rectal formulations, such as suppositories and enemas, are separate products and are usually reserved for distal disease. Your prescriber will choose the form that matches disease location and severity.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it is close to the next dose. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not double up. Consistent daily timing may help you stay on track.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature in a dry place, away from excess heat and moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed and out of reach of children and pets. Do not store in a bathroom cabinet where humidity is high. Check the label for any specific handling notes.

When you travel, carry your medicine in original pharmacy packaging with your prescription label. Keep it in your hand luggage to avoid extreme temperatures. A simple checklist helps: enough supply for your trip, a small buffer for delays, and a copy of your prescription. Our partners use temperature-controlled handling when required.

Browse related categories for more options in digestive care: Gastrointestinal.

Pen Handling and Sharps Disposal

This product is a tablet. There are no pens or sharps to manage. If you ever use an injectable IBD therapy, follow local sharps disposal rules.

Benefits

5‑ASA therapy can reduce rectal bleeding, urgency, and stool frequency during flares. It can help maintain remission when used as prescribed. Local action in the gut allows targeted treatment without systemic steroid effects. Multiple dosage presentations may support individualized plans for disease location.

Side Effects and Safety

• Headache and nausea, often mild
• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Gas or diarrhea
• Indigestion or heartburn
• Rash or photosensitivity

Serious but less common risks include kidney problems, liver enzyme elevations, pancreatitis, blood disorders, severe allergic reactions, and myocarditis or pericarditis. Stop the medicine and seek urgent care for chest pain, shortness of breath, jaundice, severe abdominal pain, unusual bleeding, or signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling or trouble breathing.

Kidney function monitoring is often recommended, especially at baseline and periodically during therapy. Tell your prescriber if you have a history of kidney disease, liver disease, or prior intolerance to salicylates.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Tell your prescriber about all medicines and supplements you take. Notable interactions and cautions may include:

• Azathioprine or 6‑mercaptopurine: increased risk of blood count changes
• Nephrotoxic agents or frequent NSAID use: additional kidney risk
• pH‑altering agents: some formulations are sensitive to pH changes
• Allergy to aspirin or salicylates: higher risk of hypersensitivity
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding: discuss risk/benefit based on current guidelines

Always defer to the official label for complete interaction information.

What to Expect Over Time

Response varies. Some people notice gradual symptom relief with regular use and a steady routine. The goal is to stabilize bowel movements, reduce rectal bleeding, and maintain remission. Your prescriber may adjust your plan or add other therapies if symptoms persist. Adherence, hydration, and a simple symptom diary can support your follow‑up visits.

Compare With Alternatives

Rectal corticosteroid foam can be useful for distal disease when oral therapy is not enough. See Uceris Rectal Foam. For moderate to severe disease or biologic‑eligible cases, an IL‑12/23 inhibitor may be considered by your prescriber; see Stelara Pre Filled Syringe. Your clinician will select therapy based on severity, location, and prior response.

Pricing and Access

We provide Canadian options with US delivery from Canada through licensed partners. You can review Pentasa Canadian pricing on this page and compare package sizes. If you use coupons, see our current offers on Promotions. Final out‑of‑pocket costs depend on your prescription details and selected quantity.

You can also explore broad digestive care resources in our articles library, including coverage topics like Drug Costs Without Insurance.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary. If your requested strength or pack size is unavailable, a prescriber may recommend another mesalamine formulation or a different class based on disease location. Pharmacists will only dispense with a valid prescription and will not change your therapy without prescriber approval.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This medicine may suit adults with mild to moderate disease who can tolerate 5‑ASA therapy. It might not be appropriate for those with severe renal impairment, prior mesalamine myocarditis, or significant hepatic disease, unless a specialist directs otherwise.

• Multi‑month supply: fewer refills and often better unit pricing
• Stay organized: set refill reminders so you do not run out
• Discuss generics: your prescriber can advise on therapeutic equivalence
• Check total quantity: larger packs may have lower per‑tablet costs
• Review your plan: ask if the Pentasa price can be reduced by adjusting quantity

Condition pages and comparisons can help guide conversations: explore Asacol Vs Lialda for broader class context.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is this the right 5‑ASA formulation for my disease location?
• How long should I stay on it once symptoms improve?
• What kidney or liver tests do I need and how often?
• Which side effects should prompt me to call or seek care?
• Could a rectal formulation help my current symptoms?
• If symptoms persist, what are the next‑step options?
• How should I coordinate this therapy with azathioprine or biologics?

Authoritative Sources

Manufacturer Product Site

DailyMed Official Labeling

Health Canada Drug Product Database

Ready to proceed? Place your request with prompt, express shipping and US shipping from Canada. Always use exactly as prescribed. This information is educational and not a substitute for medical advice.