Buy Generic Pentasa Online

Generic Pentasa Information

Introduction

Pentasa is an oral formulation belonging to the Gastro Health, Gastro Health group of medications. Its active compound is mesalamine (5‑aminosalicylic acid), which exerts local anti‑inflammatory effects throughout the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In Hong Kong, Pentasa is prescribed primarily for the induction and maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis and for the treatment of Crohn’s disease involving the colon. The product is marketed by Salix Pharmaceuticals (a subsidiary of Valeant) and is available in delayed‑release tablets, granules for suspension, and rectal suppositories. Secondary uses include maintenance therapy after surgical resection of the colon when the disease is limited to the residual bowel.

What is Pentasa?

Pentasa is a prescription‑only medication that delivers mesalamine directly to the intestinal mucosa. It is classified as a 5‑aminosalicylic acid (5‑ASA) derivative and is formulated as an pH‑dependent delayed‑release tablet (or granule) that dissolves at pH ≥ 7, ensuring drug release in the distal small bowel and colon. Pentasa was developed by Salix Pharmaceuticals in the 199s to provide a more uniform distribution of mesalamine compared with earlier sulfasal. The brand name “Pentasa” distinguishes it from other mesalamine products such as Asacol, Lialda, and Apriso, all of which contain the same active compound but differ in coating technology and dosing schedules.

How Pentasa Works

Mesalamine suppresses inflammation by several complementary mechanisms:

• Cyclo‑oxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase inhibition reduces prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis, limiting vasodilation and leukocyte recruitment.
• NF‑κB pathway modulation lowers transcription of pro‑inflammatory cytokines (IL‑1β, TNF‑α, IL‑6).
• Free radical scavenging diminishes oxidative stress on the colonic epithelium.

Because the tablet’s coating resists dissolution in the acidic stomach and releases mesalamine in the higher‑pH environment of the terminal ileum and colon, the drug acts locally with minimal systemic absorption. Therapeutic concentrations are achieved within 4–6 hours after ingestion, and the drug’s elimination half‑life is approximately 12 hours, permitting twice‑daily dosing for most adult regimens.

Conditions Treated with Pentasa

• Ulcer‑ative colitis (UC) – induction of remission for mild‑to‑moderate disease and maintenance of remission to prevent flare‑ups.
• Crohn’s disease (CD) with colonic involvement – adjunctive therapy for patients who cannot tolerate steroids or biologics.

In Hong Kong, the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has risen steadily over the past two decades, reaching an estimated prevalence of ≈ 30 cases per 100 000 population (Hong Kong IBD Registry, 2022). Early and sustained control of mucosal inflammation with mesalamine‑based agents such as Pentasa reduces hospitalization rates and the need for surgical resection, aligning with local health‑system goals of cost‑effective chronic disease management.

Who is Pentasa For?

• Adults with confirmed mild‑to‑moderate ulcerative colitis (Mayo score ≤ 6) who require oral therapy for induction or maintenance.
• Patients with colonic Crohn’s disease who have demonstrated intolerance or contraindication to corticosteroids.
• Individuals seeking a steroid‑sparing option to reduce long‑term glucocorticoid exposure.

Contraindications or cautionary scenarios**

• Known hypersensitivity to mesalamine or any excipients in Pentasa.
• Severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min) – dose reduction or alternative therapy required.
• Acute severe ulcerative colitis (fulminant disease) – hospital‑based intravenous therapy is preferred.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should use Pentasa only when the potential benefit outweighs any uncertain risk, as data from animal studies have not demonstrated teratogenicity but human evidence remains limited.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Nausea, abdominal pain, flatulence, and diarrhea.
• Headache, fatigue, and mild rash.

These events are usually transient and resolve with continued therapy or dose adjustment.

Rare

• Pancreatitis, interstitial nephritis, and hepatic enzyme elevation.
• Photosensitivity reactions, especially when combined with UV‑exposure.

Routine monitoring of renal and hepatic function every 3–6 months is advisable for early detection.

Serious

• Severe hypersensitivity (angio‑edema, Stevens‑Johnson syndrome).
• Acute renal failure – may present as sudden rise in serum creatinine.
• Myocarditis or pericarditis – rare but reported in post‑marketing surveillance.

Any sign of serious reaction warrants immediate discontinuation and medical evaluation.

Drug–Drug Interactions

• Non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – may increase the risk of renal toxicity.
• Anticoagulants (warfarin, direct oral anticoagulants) – mesalamine can potentiate anticoagulant effect; monitor INR or appropriate coagulation parameters.
• Lithium – concurrent use may elevate lithium serum levels; periodic monitoring recommended.
• Azathioprine/6‑mercaptopurine – additive bone‑marrow suppression is possible; complete blood count should be checked regularly.
• Antacids containing magnesium or aluminum – may alter pH‑dependent release; spacing administration by at least 2 hours is advised.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Standard adult dosing – 1.5 g to 4. g per day, divided into two doses (e.g., 1 g in the morning and 1 g in the evening). The exact dose depends on disease severity and formulation.
• Tablets – swallow whole with a full glass of water; do not crush or chew.
• Granules for suspension – dissolve the prescribed amount in water or juice immediately before ingestion; consume within 30 minutes.
• Suppositories – insert rectally at bedtime if advised for distal colitis.

Missed dose – Take the forgotten dose as soon as remembered unless it is within 4 hours of the next scheduled dose; in that case, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not double‑dose.

Overdose – Acute overdose is uncommon because mesalamine has low systemic absorption. Symptoms may include severe nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. Seek emergency medical care; treatment is supportive (gastric lavage if within 1 hour, activated charcoal, and monitoring of renal function).

Precautions – Food does not significantly affect absorption but taking Pentasa with a meal may reduce stomach irritation. Alcohol consumption should be moderate; excessive alcohol can exacerbate gastrointestinal side effects and renal strain.

Buying Pentasa from Our Online Pharmacy

Pentasa can be obtained safely from our online pharmacy in Hong Kong. Our service of this medication offers several advantages:

• Affordable pricing – we source the product near manufacturer cost, passing savings to the patient.
• Verified quality – all batches come from licensed overseas manufacturers and undergo third‑party quality testing before dispatch.
• Guaranteed delivery – discreet packaging with express shipping (typically 7 days) or regular airmail (~3 weeks).
• Online‑only access – we specialize in international medications that may not be stocked locally, providing a reliable alternative for patients facing supply constraints.

Operating as a pharmacy broker service, we partner with overseas licensed pharmacies and reputable suppliers. This model enables a discreet service that respects patient privacy, while complying with Hong Kong import regulations for personal medical use.

FAQ

• Is Pentasa available in both tablet and granule formulations?
  Yes. Pentasa is marketed as delayed‑release tablets, granules that can be mixed into a suspension, and rectal suppositories. The choice of formulation depends on disease location and patient preference.

• How should Pentasa be stored while traveling abroad?
  Keep the product at room temperature (15 °C–30 °C), away from direct sunlight, humidity, and heat sources. If you anticipate extreme temperatures, store the medication in a insulated bag with a cooling pack but avoid freezing.

• Can I take Pentasa with alcohol?
  Moderate alcohol intake does not directly interact with mesalamine, but excessive consumption may aggravate gastrointestinal irritation and increase renal workload. Limit alcohol to reduce the risk of side effects.

• What does a Pentasa tablet look like?
  Pentasa tablets are usually white, oval‑shaped, and film‑coated. They are marked with the dosage strength (e.g., “500 mg”) on one side. The coating is pH‑responsive to ensure release in the intestine.

• Does Pentasa have a different formulation in Asia compared with the United States or Europe?
  The core active ingredient, mesalamine, is identical worldwide. However, some Asian markets use a slightly altered excipient profile to meet regional regulatory requirements; the release mechanism remains pH‑dependent.

• Will taking Pentasa affect drug testing for athletes?
  Mesalamine is not listed as a prohibited substance by the World Anti‑Doping Agency. Routine drug tests for performance‑enhancing agents do not detect mesalam**.

• How long does it typically take for Pentasa to improve symptoms?
  Clinical trials show measurable reduction in stool frequency and rectal bleeding within 2–4 weeks of consistent dosing, with maximal benefit often reached after 8 weeks.

• Is it safe to switch between Pentasa tablets and granules without medical guidance?
  While both deliver the same amount of mesalamine, the dosing schedule and absorption kinetics differ. Any change in formulation should be discussed with a healthcare professional to ensure therapeutic coverage.

• What distinguishes Pentasa from other mesalamine brands such as Asacol or Lialda?
  Pentasa uses a pH‑dependent coating that begins releasing mesalamine at a slightly lower pH (≈ 7) compared with Asacol (pH ≈ 7.‑7.5) and Lialda (pH ≈ 7.). This results in a more uniform colonic distribution, which may benefit patients with extensive colonic disease.

• Does Pentasa require special disposal after use?
  Unused tablets or granules should be discarded in accordance with local pharmaceutical waste guidelines—typically through a pharmacy take‑back program or household trash after mixing with an unpalatable material. Do not flush down the toilet.

Glossary

Mesalamine

The active anti‑inflammatory component of Pentasa, belonging to the 5‑ASA class; it works locally in the gut to suppress inflammatory mediators.

5‑ASA (5‑Aminosalicylic Acid)

A family of drugs that deliver mesalamine to the intestinal mucosa; commonly used for inflammatory bowel disease because of their topical action and limited systemic absorption.

Induction Therapy

Initial treatment aimed at achieving clinical remission of active disease; in ulcerative colitis, this often involves higher daily doses of mesalamine for several weeks.

Renal Function Monitoring

Periodic assessment of kidney performance (serum creatinine, eGFR) because mesalamine can, in rare cases, cause interstitial nephritis or exacerbate pre‑existing renal impairment.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Pentasa is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Pentasa for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription‑based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.