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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for Pentasa (mesalamine; Shire) regarding an update to its route of administration. Pentasa capsules may now be opened and its contents sprinkled onto applesauce or yogurt.
Pentasa is a salicylate indicated for the induction of remission and for the treatment of patients with mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis. The exact mechanism of action is unknown but appears to be topical rather than systemic. Mucosal production of arachidonic acid metabolites, both through the cyclooxygenase pathways, and through the lipoxygenase pathways and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids, is increased in patients with chronic inflammatory bowel disease, and it is possible that mesalamine diminishes inflammation by blocking cyclooxygenase and inhibiting prostaglandin production in the colon.
RELATED: Surgery vs. Rx Therapy for UC: Which Has Better Survival Outcomes?
Pentasa is available as 250mg controlled-release capsules in 240-count bottles, and as 500mg controlled-release capsules in 120-count bottles.
For more information call (800) 536-7878 or visit Shire.com.
