PENTASA (mesalamine controlled-release capsules) Patient Assistance Program
Don’t let the high cost of brand 5-ASA inflammatory bowel disease therapy disrupt your treatment. We help eligible patients access Pentasa (mesalamine controlled-release capsules) for as little as $69.95 per month through the manufacturer’s Patient Assistance Program.
- Clear & Transparent Pricing
- Paperwork & Doctor-Coordination
- Comprehensive Support: From Application to Entire Journey.
- Annual Re-certification And Refills Management
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Key Takeaways:
- Pentasa (mesalamine controlled-release capsules) is FDA-approved for the treatment of mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis (UC) and for the maintenance of remission of UC. It is also used off-label for Crohn's disease — Pentasa's unique extended-release formulation delivers mesalamine throughout the small intestine and colon (vs. other oral mesalamines that primarily target the colon).
- Without assistance, brand Pentasa costs commonly run approximately $700–$1,000 per 30-day supply.
- Through AffordMyPrescriptions, qualifying patients can access Pentasa for a flat $69.95 per month — our advocacy team manages the entire enrollment, refills, and renewal process.
- Generic mesalamine controlled-release capsules (Pentasa generics) are widely available at substantially lower cost. Other oral mesalamine formulations target different bowel regions: Asacol HD/Lialda/Apriso/Delzicol (colon-targeted, with generics), Dipentum (olsalazine, colonic). Mesalamine enemas (Rowasa) and suppositories (Canasa) target rectal/sigmoid disease. Sulfasalazine (generic) is an older 5-ASA delivery system.
What Is Pentasa Prescription Assistance Program?
The Pentasa Prescription Assistance Program is a manufacturer-sponsored initiative that provides Pentasa at little or no medication cost to qualifying patients based on income and insurance status. The program is designed for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s patients who are uninsured or underinsured.
Navigating the program on your own means dealing with eligibility verification, gastroenterology coordination, prior-authorization documentation, and renewal deadlines.
AffordMyPrescriptions eliminates that burden. For a flat $69.95 per month, our Patient Advocates handle every step of your enrollment, from initial application through ongoing refill coordination and annual re-certification.
Pharmacy Price Comparison
- Without assistance, brand Pentasa costs roughly $700–$1,000/month. Generic mesalamine controlled-release is dramatically cheaper. A Patient Assistance Program is the meaningful path forward — if you qualify:
| Pharmacy(With Coupon) | PrIce (30-Day)* | You Save W/ Us |
|---|---|---|
| Walgreens (brand) | ~$950 | Save ~$880/mo |
| CVS Pharmacy (brand) | ~$1,000 | Save ~$930/mo |
| Walmart (brand) | ~$750 | Save ~$680/mo |
| Costco (brand) | ~$730 | Save ~$660/mo |
Generic mesalamine CR | ~$200 | Generic — lower |
*Just a heads-up — retail prices are estimates based on public data and vary by pharmacy. AffordMyPrescriptions Advocacy Service bypasses this by using drug manufacturer programs to secure your medication directly at no cost or retail price.
Our Pricing:
$69.95 Per month
1 Medications
$79.95 Per Month
2 Medications
$89.95 Per Month
3 Medications
$99.95 Per Month
4+ Medications
Why choose us For Your Pentasa Prescription Program?
The Patient Assistance Program is free to apply for and provides Pentasa at no medication cost if approved. Our $69.95/month service covers full advocacy. With generic mesalamine controlled-release widely available at lower cost, we’ll help your gastroenterologist determine the best path.
Enroll
Complete a simple eligibility form so our team can determine if you may qualify for medication assistance programs.
We Advocate
Our specialists help gather documentation, complete applications, and coordinate with program providers.
Receive Medication
Once approved, you may receive your medication through the assistance program while we help manage ongoing paperwork and renewals.
Discount Coupons vs. Patient Assistance Programs
Many patients try discount cards first. Here’s why the Patient Assistance Program through AffordMyPrescriptions is the better long-term solution for Pentasa:
Limitations of Coupons
- Prices fluctuate — savings aren’t guaranteed month-to-month
- Copay accumulators may prevent savings from counting toward deductible
- Coupon cards expire and require constant renewal
Still $700–$1,000 per month even with the best discount
- Can’t be used with Medicare, Medicaid, or government insurance
Advantages of PAP Through Us
- Fixed $69.95/month — never changes regardless of retail price
- No expiration — continuous access as long as you qualify
- Medication supplied directly through the assistance program
- We manage all paperwork, refills, and annual renewals
- If denied, we explore alternative savings on your behalf
DO YOU QUALIFY?
Eligibility is generally determined by annual household income and insurance status. Most programs follow guidelines that include limits of up to $40,000 for individuals, $60,000 for couples, and $100,000 for larger families. Because requirements vary by program and household, we encourage you to contact AffordMyPrescriptions directly so we can review your specific situation and determine if you qualify for Pentasa assistance.
- You Are A U.S. Citizen Or Legal Resident
- You Have A Valid Pentasa Prescription From A Licensed U.S. Healthcare Provider
- You Are Uninsured Or Underinsured And Cannot Afford Your Medication
- You Have Recently Experienced A Change In Financial Circumstances That Affects Your Ability To Pay
Not sure if you qualify? Our pre-qualification check is completely free. If we can’t help, you won’t be charged.
Understanding Pentasa:
Pentasa is mesalamine (5-aminosalicylic acid, 5-ASA) in a unique ethylcellulose-coated microgranule formulation that allows controlled release throughout the small intestine and colon — distinguishing it from other oral mesalamine products that primarily target the colon. This makes Pentasa particularly useful for small bowel Crohn’s disease (off-label) in addition to its FDA-approved UC indication.
How Pentasa Works:
Mesalamine (5-ASA) treats intestinal inflammation by acting topically on the mucosa through mechanisms like inhibiting leukotriene synthesis and scavenging reactive oxygen species. Because pure mesalamine is absorbed too early in the small intestine, oral products use specialized delivery systems to ensure it reaches the disease sites. Pentasa uses time-dependent ethylcellulose microgranules to release the drug throughout both the small bowel and the colon. This broad delivery profile makes Pentasa highly useful for small bowel Crohn’s disease, while other products target only the colon for ulcerative colitis.
Form and use:
Pentasa is available in 250 mg or 500 mg oral capsules that can be taken with or without food. The typical adult dosage for treating both active and maintenance ulcerative colitis is 4 g per day, split into one-gram doses taken four times daily. For patients who experience difficulty swallowing, the capsules can be opened, and the inner contents can be sprinkled onto applesauce or yogurt.
Generic availability:
Generic controlled-release mesalamine capsules matching Pentasa are widely available in the U.S. at a substantially lower cost than the brand-name medication. Other oral options include colon-targeted products like Asacol HD/Delzicol, Lialda, Apriso, and Dipentum. Distal or rectal disease can be targeted using mesalamine enemas or suppositories, which also have generic alternatives. Additionally, sulfasalazine is available as a very cheap, older generic prodrug version of 5-ASA.
Warnings:
Pentasa carries warnings for renal impairment, which requires periodic monitoring of kidney function during therapy. It can trigger an acute intolerance syndrome characterized by cramping, bloody diarrhea, fever, headache, and rash, requiring immediate discontinuation. Rare but serious risks also include hepatic impairment, pancreatitis, pericarditis, myocarditis, and severe cutaneous reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
How Much Does Pentasa Cost Without Insurance?
Brand Pentasa costs approximately $700–$1,000 per 30-day supply. Generic mesalamine controlled-release is substantially cheaper. Through AffordMyPrescriptions, qualifying patients receive Pentasa at no medication cost — our $69.95 monthly fee covers full advocacy and program management. Most patients find generic mesalamine controlled-release is the cheaper path.What If My Application Is Denied?
Is Generic Mesalamine Controlled-Release The Same As Brand Pentasa?
Yes. The FDA approves generic mesalamine controlled-release capsules as bioequivalent to brand Pentasa. Most gastroenterologists are comfortable using generic. Most insurance plans prefer generic.
How Is Pentasa Different From Other Mesalamine Products?
Pentasa uses ethylcellulose-coated microgranules for time-dependent release throughout the small intestine AND colon. Other oral mesalamine products are colon-targeted — Asacol HD/Delzicol uses pH-dependent coatings releasing in the terminal ileum and colon; Lialda is once-daily colon-targeted; Apriso is once-daily; Dipentum is colonic via olsalazine cleavage by bacteria. Pentasa’s broader small-bowel delivery makes it useful for small bowel Crohn’s disease (off-label) and proximal disease. For UC alone (mostly colonic disease), colon-targeted formulations like Lialda may be more efficient.
How Long Until Pentasa Works?
For active UC, symptom improvement typically begins within 2–4 weeks, with maximum response by 6–8 weeks. For maintenance, ongoing daily dosing maintains remission. Don’t stop Pentasa once you feel better — discontinuation often leads to flares. Long-term maintenance is typical.
What If My Application Is Denied?
If denied, we explore alternatives — switching to generic mesalamine controlled-release (much cheaper), generic colon-targeted mesalamine (Asacol generic, Lialda generic, Apriso generic, Delzicol generic), generic sulfasalazine (very cheap), the manufacturer’s copay program for commercially insured patients, or independent foundations such as the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, PAN Foundation, or HealthWell Foundation. If we cannot find a path, you won’t be charged our service fee.
Should My Kidney Function Be Monitored?
Yes. All mesalamine products carry a small risk of interstitial nephritis. Baseline serum creatinine and periodic monitoring (every 3–12 months) are appropriate. Significant creatinine rise may require holding mesalamine for evaluation. Tell your gastroenterologist about any new edema, decreased urine output, or symptoms suggesting kidney problems.
Can I Use Pentasa With Other IBD Medications?
Yes. Pentasa is commonly used alone for mild-to-moderate UC or in combination with corticosteroids (for flares), immunomodulators (azathioprine, methotrexate), biologics (Humira, Remicade, Stelara, Entyvio), or small molecules (Xeljanz, Rinvoq). For more severe disease or inadequate response to 5-ASA alone, your gastroenterologist may add or escalate to these other therapies.
Take Control of Your Medication Costs
If you are struggling with the high cost of Pentasa, our team may be able to help you access assistance programs — or guide you to generic mesalamine. Check your eligibility today.
Submit Enrollment Form
Start free by filling out a simple online form.
Receive Welcome Call
Our specialist will contact you for a quick welcome call.
We Manage The Process
Our team handles everything, so you can focus on your health.