Interesting article about Pentasa. And 5asa drugs

[kimmidwife]

According to this article studies show that 5asa drugs do not help to achieve or maintain remission in Crohn's disease. It says they are very often inappropriatly used in Crohn's disease. The only Crohn's study where they showed a statistically significant impact was in patients with mild Crohn's disease after a resection. There was some proof in this study that it helped prevent recurrence but they were not sure how long this would last for.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3131170/

 

[Brian'sMom]

Our old GI said that there are studies that prove Pentasa help fight colon cancer. Is there anything on that? (Mind you, the GI that said that is also our 'fired' gi)

 

[kimmidwife]

I cannot find anything about that in Crohn's disease. Possibly in ulcerative colitis since it is considered effective for UC. The goal of course with all these diseases is to reduce inflammation. It is the inflammation and damage to the intestine that causes the higher risks our children face for colon cancer. If the drug is not helping with the illness then it makes sense to me that it would not help in prevention of problems such as colon cancer.

 

[DustyKat]

This was one of the studies that the GI pulled up as a way of convincing me that it would be worthwhile Matt commencing Pentasa. He acknowledged that the benefit would be small but in view of Matt’s history worthwhile.

As to Crohn’s in general? I agree with article, it is pretty much a dud drug.

Thanks for posting Kim.

Dusty.

 

[hawkeye]

From what I understood from my GI, it tends to keep polyps under control, but not the most effective drug for IBD...maybe that is where the reduced colon cancer risk comes from.

 

[Mehita]

Pentasa did squat for DS after his resection. He had his worst flare ever three months post-resection and while on Pentasa.

Dud.