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Pentasa Losing Effectiveness -- Next Medication??

Location
Georgia
I have CD. I've been on Pentasa for about 7 months now, taking two 500mg capsules 4 times a day. It worked great at first, and I had some real relief from my CD. My GI doc told me I had a 5-10% chance of it working long term. Well, as the months have passed, the Pentasa has slowly lost its effectiveness for me. After a rough, crummy night last night, I've had to face the fact that I'm now back to where I started.

I'm very concerned about getting on the immune suppressors. The side effects really scare me. The Pentasa seemed like a great alternative, but there is no reason to continue it. So it's back to my GI doc and I'll see where we go next.

What's a good next step? Is there a "not so bad" immune suppressor med?
 

Crohn's 35

Inactive Account
Well Entocort is not an immune suppressor but can be the next step. Depends on how bad your flares are but now the best options are to hit it hard and then back off, but ever specialist has their own adgenda. Most go on Imuran,or go to Humira.
 
I had same issue with pentasa although it lasted nearly 5 years for me, have you tried some of the other mesalazines? asacolon, salofalk, mezavant XL. and if not ask to try them in tablet and granular form, I'm in the process of going through these meds again took them all at one stage or another over the years, each with success. My IBD nurse said sometimes it just depends on where the inflammation is and where each of these meds are absorbed. I can relate to the crummy days and nights returning but it might not have to be for long and the immune suppressors may not have to play a role this time.
Good luck and let us know how you get on.
Gwen xxx
 
I never knew about medication sometimes not working after awhile of being on it. That is scary. I suggest Asacol. But I have Ulcerative Colitis. It works for me. I suggest all the Mesalamine meds first then going up from there. I also wonder what if you took a bit more, maybe it will work.
Good luck, get well!
 
Location
Georgia
Thanks for the good ideas and support, this should help in my discussions with my Dr. I very well may be able to switch to a different Mesalazine product and keep on going. That would be great! Thanks again.
 
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