Pentasa Side Effects

In clinical studies, diarrhea and nausea were the most commonly reported Pentasa side effects. Side effects that were reported less frequently include acne, loss of appetite, and insomnia. There are also certain side effects of Pentasa that are more serious and that should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately, including decreased urination, worsening of ulcerative colitis symptoms, and depression.

 

Pentasa Side Effects: An Introduction

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Pentasa® (mesalamine); however, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Pentasa. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Pentasa side effects with you.)
 

Common Pentasa Side Effects

Pentasa has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials, in which a group of people taking the drug have side effects documented and compared to another group not taking the medicine. This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
 
In these studies, the most common Pentasa side effects included:
 
  • Diarrhea -- in up to 3.5 percent of people
  • Nausea -- in up to 3.1 percent.
     
(Pentasa Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;