About Pentasa

Pentasa is a prescription medicine used to treat mild to moderate Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD for short).  Two major types are: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

It has been available in New Zealand since 1992, so it has been treating New Zealanders with mild to moderate Inflammatory Bowel Disease for over 30 years.

Pentasa contains the active ingredient mesalazine (also known as 5-aminosalicylic acid or 5-ASA).

Your Doctor may have prescribed Pentasa for you. 

To get the optimal benefit from your medicine it is important that you take it in accordance with your Doctor’s instructions.  This means the right dose (quantity), at the frequency and for the length of time prescribed by your Doctor. 

All medicines have risks and benefits. Your Doctor will weigh up the risks and benefits before prescribing Pentasa for you.

If you have any concerns about using this medicine, ask your Doctor or Pharmacist.

Learn about your medicine

For further information about this medicine please refer to the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI).  The CMI contains information about what your medicine is, what it treats and how you should take it.  It also provides information on possible side effects and what you should do if you experience any of them.  Your Doctor and Pharmacist can provide the CMI to you or you can access it on the Medsafe website, www.medsafe.govt.nz.

Pentasa is available in the following presentations:

• Pentasa Granules
• Pentasa Tablets
• Pentasa Enemas
• Pentasa Suppositories