Mesalamine Er Coupons & Prices

Looking for a Pentasa coupon? Pentasa is a brand-name, controlled-release capsule form of mesalamine (a 5-ASA anti-inflammatory) used to treat mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis. Whether you have commercial insurance, Medicare, or no coverage at all, you have options to lower your out-of-pocket cost. Enter your ZIP above to see today's Rx.com cash price at pharmacies near you, and read on to compare the manufacturer savings card, the lower-cost generic, and how the Rx.com discount works.

What is Pentasa and how does it work?

Pentasa is a brand name for mesalamine (also called mesalazine or 5-aminosalicylic acid), an aminosalicylate that reduces inflammation in the lining of the gut. It is FDA-approved to bring on (induce) remission and to treat mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis in adults. Pentasa's capsules are designed to release the medicine slowly and steadily along the small intestine and colon, which is what sets it apart from some other 5-ASA products that release mainly in the colon.

Because the capsules are controlled-release, you may notice intact or partly intact capsule shells in your stool. This is expected and does not mean the medicine failed to work. Take Pentasa exactly as your doctor prescribes.

Pentasa cost: manufacturer savings card vs. Rx.com cash coupon

Takeda, the maker of Pentasa, offers an official copay savings program through Takeda Patient Support for eligible patients. Manufacturer copay cards like this are generally limited to people with commercial (private) insurance and typically exclude anyone covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or other government plans. Terms, eligibility, and any savings caps vary and change over time, so check the manufacturer's official site (Takeda Patient Support) for current details. Takeda also runs patient-assistance programs that may help qualifying patients who are uninsured or underinsured.

The Rx.com cash coupon works differently: it is a discount you can use whether you are uninsured, on Medicare, or if the manufacturer card is declined at the pharmacy. You do not use it together with insurance, but it is often a good fallback. Enter your ZIP above to see today's price and pull up the coupon.

The biggest savings lever is the generic. Mesalamine is available as a generic, and asking your pharmacist or prescriber about generic mesalamine can substantially lower your cost compared with the brand. Use the coupon on the generic to see if it beats every other option in your area.

Pentasa alternatives and related 5-ASA medicines

Pentasa is one of several mesalamine and aminosalicylate products. They differ mainly in how and where the medicine is released in the gut, and in dosing schedule. Your doctor chooses among them based on the location and severity of your inflammation. Related options include:

• Mesalamine (the generic active ingredient)
• Lialda and Apriso (delayed- or extended-release mesalamine)
• Delzicol and Asacol HD (delayed-release mesalamine)
• Canasa (mesalamine suppositories for the rectum)
• Sulfasalazine and Balsalazide (other aminosalicylates)

Do not switch products on your own, as they are not always interchangeable dose-for-dose. Ask your provider which fits your condition, and then compare prices for that specific product on Rx.com.

Safety, side effects, and what to watch for

Pentasa has no boxed warning, but there are important safety points to discuss with your doctor. Mesalamine can affect the kidneys (including interstitial nephritis), so your provider should check kidney function before and periodically during treatment, and use extra caution if you have kidney disease or take NSAIDs. Some people develop an acute intolerance syndrome, with cramping, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, fever, headache, or rash that can look like a colitis flare, in which case the drug should be stopped. Because Pentasa is related to sulfasalazine, tell your doctor about any prior sulfa or salicylate allergy.

Rare but serious reactions can include pancreatitis, inflammation around the heart (pericarditis or myocarditis), liver problems, and blood cell changes. Mesalamine can also increase sun sensitivity, especially if you have a pre-existing skin condition. Use caution if you have narrowing of the stomach outlet (pyloric stenosis), as it may slow the capsule's passage. This is general information, not medical advice; talk with your provider or pharmacist about your specific situation and report any worrying symptoms.