Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary
The
full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about taking this medicine,
speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
1. Why am I taking PENTASA?
PENTASA contains the active ingredient mesalazine. PENTASA is taken to treat Crohn's
disease and ulcerative colitis, diseases associated with inflammation, ulcers and
sores in the bowel causing bleeding, stomach pain, and diarrhoea.
2. What should I know before I take PENTASA?
Do not take if you have ever had an allergic reaction to PENTASA or any of the ingredients
listed at the end of the CMI.
Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines,
or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Care may be needed when taking PENTASA with some other medicines.
4. How do I take PENTASA?
Swallow the tablets whole without chewing or crushing. You can also place the tablets
in 50mL of cold water, stir rapidly and drink immediately
Do not cut, crush or chew the tablets.
5. What should I know while taking PENTASA?
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Things you should do
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Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are taking PENTASA
Have all blood tests recommended by your doctor
If you are going to have surgery, tell the surgeon or anaesthetist that you are taking
this medicine
If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, tell your doctor immediately.
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Things you should not do
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Do not stop taking this medicine or lower the dosage suddenly without checking with
your doctor
Do not take PENTASA to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to
Do not give your medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as
you.
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Driving or using machines
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PENTASA is not expected to affect your ability to drive a car or operate machinery.
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Looking after your medicine
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Keep your PENTASA in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C.
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6. Are there any side effects?
All medicines can have side effects. Side effects reported from PENTASA can be minor
and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.
For more information, including what to do if you have any side effects, see Section
6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI, starting from page 2.
Active ingredient(s):
[mesalazine]
Full Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)
This leaflet provides important information about taking PENTASA. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information
or if you have any concerns or questions about taking PENTASA.
Where to find information in this leaflet:
1. Why am I taking PENTASA?
PENTASA contains the active ingredient mesalazine. PENTASA is an anti-inflammatory agent, similar to aspirin, and is thought to work
by reducing inflammation in the bowel.
PENTASA is taken to treat Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, diseases associated
with inflammation, ulcers and sores in the bowel causing bleeding, stomach pain, and
diarrhoea.
2. What should I know before I take PENTASA?
Warnings
Do not take PENTASA if you:
are allergic to mesalazine, aspirin-like medicines or any of the ingredients listed
at the end of this leaflet. Always check the ingredients to make sure you can take
this medicine.
have a severe kidney or liver problem.
Check with your doctor if you:
have a known allergy to PENTASA, sulfasalazine or aspirin-like medicines, or any of
the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet
take any medicines for any other condition
have a kidney or liver problem
have a bleeding disorder
have a history of asthma.
During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important
you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information
under Section
6. Are there any side effects?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.
Your doctor can discuss with you the risks and benefits involved. PENTASA should be
taken with caution during pregnancy and breast-feeding and only if the potential benefits
outweigh the possible risks in the opinion of the doctor. The underlying condition
itself (inflammatory bowel disease) may increase risks for the pregnancy outcome.
Children
Do not give PENTASA to a child 12 years old or under.
The safety and effectiveness of PENTASA in this age group have not been established.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any
medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy,
supermarket or health food shop.
There is no information available on interactions between PENTASA and other medicines.
However, mesalazine belongs to a group of medicines called salicylates that may interfere
with some medicines.
Medicines that may have their effects increased if used with PENTASA include:
anti-coagulants which are used to thin blood or stop blood clots (e.g. warfarin).
When PENTASA is used with these medicines, it may increase the medicine’s effects
on thinning your blood.
sulphonylureas which are used to lower blood sugar and treat diabetes (e.g. glibenclamide,
glipizide). When PENTASA is used with these medicines, it may increase the medicine’s
effect on lowering your blood glucose.
methotrexate which is used to treat some kinds of cancers, some skin conditions, and
rheumatoid arthritis. When PENTASA is used with this medicine, it may increase the
possibility of the medicine producing toxic effects on your body.
glucocorticoids which are used to treat inflammation, swelling or allergies (e.g.
prednisolone). When PENTASA is used with these medicines, it may increase the undesirable
gastric effects caused by these medicines.
Medicines that may have their effects decreased if used with PENTASA include:
probenicid or sulfinpyrazone which are used to treat gout or other conditions. When
PENTASA is used with these medicines it may decrease the effectiveness of the medicine.
spirinolactone or frusemide, which are used to increase the amount of urine produced
and to lower blood pressure. When PENTASA is used with these medicines it may decrease
the effectiveness of the medicine.
rifampicin which is used to treat tuberculosis. When PENTASA is used with this medicine
it may decrease the effectiveness of the medicine.
Medicines that may have a greater likelihood of reducing bone marrow activity if used
with PENTASA include:
azathioprine which is used to suppress the immune system
mercaptopurine and thioguanine, used to treat leukaemia.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins
or supplements you are taking and if these affect PENTASA.
4. How do I take PENTASA?
This medicine helps to control your condition, but does not cure it. It is important
to keep taking your medicine even if you feel well.
How much to take
Recommended doses for various conditions are presented below
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage regimen based on your individual needs, and this
may differ from these recommendations
Follow the instructions provided and use PENTASA until your doctor tells you to stop.
Ulcerative Colitis
For active disease (flare-up of symptoms) for ulcerative colitis, take up to 4 g PENTASA
once a day or in divided doses
For maintenance (during remission) of ulcerative colitis, take up to 2 g PENTASA once
a day or in divided doses.
Crohn's disease
For active disease (flare-up of symptoms) for Crohn's disease, take up to 4 g PENTASA
daily in divided doses
For maintenance (during remission) of Crohn's disease, take up to 4 g PENTASA daily
in divided doses.
When to take PENTASA
Take your medicine the same time each day. This will help you remember when to take
it
You can take PENTASA with or without food
Continue taking your medicine for as long as your doctor tells you
How to take PENTASA
Swallow the tablets whole without chewing or crushing. You can also place the tablets
in 50 mL of cold water, stir rapidly and drink immediately
Do not cut, crush or chew the tablets.
By scanning the QR code with your smart phone or tablet, you can access a video on
how to administer PENTASA
® Tablets. Alternative access via
www.myibd.com.au
Access available only within Australia.
If you forget to take PENTASA
PENTASA should be taken regularly at the same time each day.
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next
dose when you are meant to.
Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.
If you are not sure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist
If you have trouble remembering to take PENTASA, ask your pharmacist for some hints.
If you take too much PENTASA
If you think that you have taken too much PENTASA, you may need urgent medical attention.
You should immediately:
phone the Poisons Information Centre
(by calling
13 11 26), or
contact your doctor, or
go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.
You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
5. What should I know while taking PENTASA?
Things you should do
Have all blood tests recommended by your doctor
PENTASA may cause kidney, liver or blood problems in a few people. You should have
regular blood tests to check your kidney function
Kidney stones may develop while taking PENTASA. Symptoms may include pain in the sides
of the abdomen and blood in the urine
Take care to drink plenty of fluids while you are being treated with PENTASA.
If you are going to have surgery
Tell the surgeon or anaesthetist that you are taking this medicine. It may affect
other medicines used during surgery.
If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, tell your doctor immediately.
Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are taking PENTASA.
Things you should not do
Do not stop taking this medicine or lower the dosage suddenly without checking with
your doctor. If you stop taking it suddenly, your condition may worsen
Do not take PENTASA to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to
Do not give your medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as
you.
Driving or using machines
PENTASA is not expected to affect your ability to drive a car or operate machinery.
Looking after your medicine
Follow the instructions in the carton on how to take care of your medicine properly.
Keep your PENTASA in the packaging until it is time to take your next dose
If you take PENTASA out of the packaging it may not keep well
Keep your PENTASA in a cool dry place (temperature stays below 25°C), away from moisture,
heat or sunlight.
Do not store it:
in the bathroom or near a sink, or
in the car or on window sills.
Keep it where children cannot reach it.
Getting rid of any unwanted medicine
If you no longer need to take this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy
for safe disposal.
Do not take this medicine after the expiry date.
6. Are there any side effects?
All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of
them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.
See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you
have any further questions about side effects.
Less serious side effects
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Less serious side effects
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What to do
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Nervous system related:
headache
Stomach and intestine related:
diarrhoea
abdominal or stomach pain
flatulence (stomach discomfort or fullness, relieved by passing wind)
nausea (feeling sick)
vomiting
Skin related:
mild skin rash
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Speak to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects and they worry
you.
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Serious side effects
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Serious side effects
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What to do
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Nervous system related:
dizziness
numbness, tingling or weakness of the arms and legs
Blood and lymph system related:
bruising easily, unusual bleeding (e.g. nosebleeds), signs of infection such as fever,
chills, sore throat and mouth ulcers
Bone, muscle and tissue related:
muscle aches and pains
painful or swollen joints
Stomach and intestine related:
severe upper stomach pain, nausea and vomiting
Kidney and urinary related:
changes in kidney function/kidney disease, and or urine discolouration
Liver and gallbladder related:
yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark coloured urine
Skin related:
hair loss (this is reversible)
Increased sensitivity of your skin to sun and ultraviolet light (photosensitivity)
Condition related:
worsening of your condition
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Call your doctor straight away, if you notice any of these serious side effects.
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Immune system related:
sudden signs of allergic reactions such as rash, itching or hives, shortness of breath,
wheezing, coughing, or swelling of limbs, face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat which
may cause difficulty swallowing or breathing
nausea, severe stomach cramps and/or pain, bloody diarrhoea, fever, severe headache
and skin rash with severe blisters and bleeding of the eyes, mouth, lips, nose and
genitals e.g. erythema multiforme or Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions (SCAR) such
as Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS), Stevens-Johnson
Syndrome (SJS)/Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN)
Bone, muscle and tissue related:
lupus erythematosus-like reactions (a disease affecting the skin, joints and kidneys
with symptoms such as joint pain, fever and skin rash)
Breathing and chest related:
chest pain and/or pain behind the breast bone sometimes spreading to the neck and
shoulders, or with fever.
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Go straight to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital if you notice any
of these serious side effects.
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Kidney and urinary related:
changes in kidney function
kidney stones may develop while taking PENTASA; symptoms may include pain in the sides
of the abdomen and blood in the urine.
Liver and gallbladder related:
changes in liver function e.g. raised liver enzymes
Blood and lymph system related:
changes in the blood e.g. a decrease in the number of red/white blood cells, and/or
platelets
Reproductive system related:
low sperm count (this is reversible).
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Your doctor may do blood tests, or other tests, to check if there are any changes
in your blood, kidney, liver or reproductive system function
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Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you
feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.
Reporting side effects
After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can
report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at
www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems . By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of
this medicine.
Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop
taking any of your medicines.
7. Product details
This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription.
What PENTASA contains
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Active ingredient
(main ingredient)
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mesalazine
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Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)
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magnesium stearate
talc
povidone
ethylcellulose
microcrystalline cellulose
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Potential allergens
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This medicine does not contain sucrose, gluten, tartrazine or any other azo dyes.
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Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.
What PENTASA looks like
PENTASA 0.5 g prolonged release tablets are white-grey to pale brown, speckled round
tablets with break mark and marked: '500 mg' on one side, and 'PENTASA' on the other
side. They are supplied in packs of 30 and 100 tablets. (AUST R 99139)
PENTASA 1 g prolonged release tablets are white-grey to pale brown speckled oval tablets
with 'PENTASA' marked on both sides. They are supplied in blister packs of 20 and
60 tablets. Each tablet is protected in an aluminium foil blister. (AUST R 164142)
Not all pack sizes are distributed in Australia.
Who distributes PENTASA
PENTASA Tablets are supplied in Australia by:
Ferring Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Suite 2, Level 1, Building 1
20 Bridge Street
Pymble, NSW 2073, Australia.
PENTASA® is a registered trademark of Ferring B.V.
® = Registered trademark
This leaflet was prepared in June 2023.
AU-PA-2100041_v2.0