Pentasa Mesalazine 1g Enema
Pentasa® Mesalazine 1g Enema
(mesalazine)
Your medicine is known by the above name, but will be referred to as Pentasa throughout this leaflet:
Patient Information Leaflet
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine.
• Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
• If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
• This medicine has been prescribed for you. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
• If any of the side effects get serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
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In this leaflet:
1) What Pentasa is and what it is used for
2) Before you use Pentasa
3) How to use Pentasa
4) Possible side effects
5) How to store Pentasa
6) Further information
1) What Pentasa is and what it is used for
The name of this medicine is Pentasa Mesalazine Enema in the form of a suspension. Each bottle contains mesalazine 1g in 100ml of liquid as the active ingredient. Mesalazine belongs to a group of medicines called salicylates.
Pentasa is used to treat inflammation in the gut caused by conditions such as active ulcerative colitis where it is affecting the last part of the colon and rectum (back passage).
The enema releases the active ingredient which then acts locally to reduce the inflammation and help relieve or stop the pain.
2) Before you use Pentasa Do Not use Pentasa if you:
• are allergic to mesalazine or any of the other ingredients in Pentasa
• are allergic to any other salicylates e.g. aspirin
• have severe liver or kidney problems
Pentasa is not suitable for use in children.
Take special care with Pentasa
You should consult your doctor before using these enemas if:
• you currently have, or have previously had liver or kidney disease
• you are on any medication that may affect kidney function e.g. azathioprine
• you have ever had an allergy to a medication called sulphasalazine
If you suffer from kidney problems you will require regular check ups by your doctors.
If you experience any unexplained bleeding, bruising, skin rashes, fever or sore throat while using this medicine, stop using this medicine and seek medical advice as soon as possible.
If you experience any chest pain, an increased heartbeat and excess tiredness whilst using this medicine, stop using this medicine and seek medical help as soon as possible.
You should make sure that you don't become dehydrated, while you are using this medicine. This can occur after severe or prolonged attacks of vomiting and/or diarrhoea, high fever or heavy sweating. If this does occur, you should speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice as soon as possible.
Using with other medicines
Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. This is especially important if you are taking any of the following:
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS)
• Azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine, as they will need to decide if this medicine is suitable for you.
3) How to use Pentasa
Always use Pentasa exactly as your doctor has told you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
The enema should be used in the back passage (rectum) only. Usually your doctor will ask you to use one enema at bedtime.
How to use the enema
Immediately before use, take the enema bottle out of the aluminium foil pack and shake it well.
To break the seal twist the nozzle clockwise one full turn (the nozzle should then be in the same direction as before turning).
3. Put your hand in one of the plastic disposal bags provided in the pack
4. Hold the container as shown in the picture.
5.To administer the enema, lie on your left side with the left leg straight and the right leg bent forward for balance. Carefully insert the applicator tip into the rectum. Maintain sufficient steady hand pressure while dispersing the bottle content. The bottle content should be applied within max 30-40 seconds.
Roll the plastic disposal bag over the empty bottle. Discard it and wash your hands
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Very rare side effects (affecting less than 1 in 10,000 patients) include:
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• raised liver enzymes |
• muscle pain |
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• hair loss (reversible) |
• fever |
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• joint pain |
• skin rash or blisters e.g. Erythema Multiforme or Steven-Johnson syndrome |
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• allergic reactions |
POM
6. Once the bottle is empty, withdraw the tip with the bottle still compressed
The enema should be retained in the bowel. Remain relaxed in the administration position for 5-10 minutes or until the urge to pass the enema has disappeared.
Please note: Pentasa Mesalazine may cause permanent staining on contact with clothing or fabrics.
If you use more Pentasa than you should If you accidentally use too much, you should go to your nearest emergency department or contact your doctor immediately. Take the carton with you.
If you forget to use Pentasa If you forget to use a dose, use the next dose in the morning if it is convenient. Otherwise, use one as usual the next night. Do not use a double dose to make up for the forgotten one If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
4) Possible side effects
Like all medicines, Pentasa can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Following rectal administration local reactions such as itching, rectal discomfort and urge may occur.
STOP taking Pentasa if you notice:
• Itching, skin rashes, swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty in breathing or wheeziness (signs of an allergic reaction).
• Unexplained bleeding, bruising, skin rashes, fever or sore throat (signs of blood disorder).
• Change in colour or amount of urine produced (signs of kidney problems).
• Chest pain, an increase in heartbeat or excess tiredness (signs of heart problems).
If you experience any of the above side effects, you should contact your doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately.
Side effects (affecting less than 1 in 10 patients) include
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• vomiting |
• headache |
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• nausea |
• stomach pain |
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• rash with or without itching |
• diarrhoea |
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.
By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
5) How to store Pentasa
• Do not store above 25°C.
• Keep bottle in outer carton to protect from light.
• Do not use after the expiry date detailed on the pack
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• If the enema suspension become discoloured or show signs of any deterioration, you should seek the advice of your pharmacist who will tell you what to do.
• Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.
6) Further information What Pentasa contains
The active ingredient is mesalazine (also known as 5-aminosalicylic acid or 5-ASA). Each 100ml bottle contains 1g mesalazine. The mesalazine settles out as a separate layer.
Also contains: disodium edetate, sodium metabisulphite, sodium acetate, purified water and hydrochloric acid.
What Pentasa looks like and contents of the pack
Pentasa Mesalazine 1g Enema is a colourless to faint yellow suspension presented in a polyethylene bottle.
Each pack contains 7 x 100ml bottles, each individually wrapped in nitrogen-filled aluminium-foil pouches and 7 polythene bags for disposal of the empty bottle after use.
PL 10383/2141 Pentasa® Mesalazine 1g Enema
Who makes and repackages your medicine?
This product is manufactured by Ferring-Leciva a.s., K Rybniku 475, 252 42 Jesenice near Prague, Czech Republic. Procured from within the EU and repackaged by the Product Licence Holder: Primecrown Ltd., 4/5 Northolt Trading Estate, Belvue Road, Northolt, Middlesex, UB5 5QS.
Leaflet date: 08.12.2014
Rare side effects (affecting less than 1 in 1,000 patients) include:
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• blood disorders (e.g. low levels of |
• lupus erythematosis (an |
Pentasa® is a registered trade mark of Ferring B.V., The Netherlands |
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red blood cells) |
autoimmune disorder | |
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affecting the skin) | ||
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• tingling or numbness in the hands |
• allergic lung reactions | |
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and feet |
(including breathing | |
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problems) | ||
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• inflammation of the heart or area |
• changes in kidney function | |
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surrounding the heart |
or kidney failure | |
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• inflammation of the liver and liver |
• inflammation of the | |
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failure |
pancreas |