Pentasa, Canasa

Treatment of mild to moderate ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease

Is mesalamine a steroid?

Mesalamine 5-ASA is a chemical derivative of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). It has been reformulated to act in the large intestine. It is meant to provide an anti-inflammatory effect that should help to heal the lesions caused by colitis and Crohn’s Disease that are responsible for symptoms. Aspirin itself doesn’t provide any relief in cases of ulcerative colitis and may actually aggravate it.

Symptoms may worsen if the prescribed medication is suddenly stopped. If there are unexpected side effects or a lack of relief of the symptoms, it should be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible. The medication should be continued even if symptoms start to recede, and changes should only be undertaken under the guidance of a medical practitioner.

The schedule should be discussed with the prescribing healthcare provider with further input from a pharmacist. They should be taken at the same time each day. The extended-release capsules of Pentasa can be taken with or without food. The granules should be taken from the sachet straight onto the tongue and washed down with water or juice whole without chewing or crushing. After inserting a suppository, it’s advisable to lie or sit still for roughly fifteen minutes, allowing the suppository to soften from body heat.

Exposure to intense ultraviolet light, such as from sunlamps and tanning beds, should be avoided since this medicine can create serious unwanted skin reactions, especially if there are preexisting skin problems like atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema. Common OTC antacids can counteract the wanted effect of Canasa by inhibiting the amount of the drug that is released. If any dental or surgical procedures are due, it is essential to inform the doctor or dentist that mesalamine is being taken.