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Pentasa-how long for it to kick in?

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 8/20/2007 8:36 AM (GMT -6)
I tried searching for a past post on this and could not find one even though I am sure there was.  I am having nasty cramping, nausea and am not eating solids.  I had stopped Pentasa as my new Gi said it wasn't working on the area where I show most symptom (butt).  However, the cramping is happening further up---surgery site and upper abdomen.  I have a ton of Pentasa still and was going to take it.  Have doc appointment next week and was wondering if this might kick in before then.  Had been on it so long, I can't rem how long it took to show signs of improvement.

Thanks

Posted 8/20/2007 9:08 AM (GMT -6)
Hi, from what the pharmacist told me, it takes up to 21 days to be effective but it is not uncommon for it to take up to 30 days. You should keep in mind that you should be getting better during that time and not worse. Also you should not take it upon yourself to decide to take medicine that your doctor has stopped you from taking. Also you might want to check with the nurse of your Gi to see if she could help you in the meantime.

Good luck and I hope you feel better soon!

Sad Mom!
Posted 8/20/2007 9:24 AM (GMT -6)
Sad....I can start this med again. The doc basically informed me that it wasn't hurting me, but wasn't really helping either. I had been on it for over about a dozen years. I know I am safe taking it again in this case. Thanks
Posted 8/20/2007 12:29 PM (GMT -6)
Yes this is a very mild drug, you shouldn't have any problems taking it again. I take Asacol now, but use to use Pentasa. I think a few weeks sounds about right if I remember correctly for it to start working. Habs have you tried Asacol, it starts working lower in the intestines than Pentasa. Maybe it would work better for you. Good Luck and I hope you start feeling better soon.
Posted 8/20/2007 3:25 PM (GMT -6)
My doctor basically told me that Pentasa is just like an anti-inflammatory that breaks down in the colon and not the stomach or small intestines. It a very mild drug similiar to aspirin or tylenol. I'm only on it at the moment and don't have any side effects from it. Seems to be keeping me in remission.
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