Expert: Odette Yuhas - 5/25/2005

Question
 I ve had mild Crohn s
symptoms since having a resection 35 years ago

 Now i ve seen a dr. about
it who has me taking PENTASA
for the next two months
to put it into remission
before it causes more trouble

 Does this medicine have a
high success rate in
cases of milder inflammation?

    Thanks      ED  

Answer
Hi Ed,

May I say that Pentasa is an Antibiotic and it can not work in a mere 2 month time span.  I have beee on on the medication for 6 years and it is only an antibiotic.  It will NOT put you in remission, simply will try to calm it down.  Ask your doctor more questions.  A quick remedy is Remicade.  You should also be on an immune suppresant such as Imuran which will slow the process down. Flagyl however is an anti inflamatory medication that may help.

Best of luck!
Odette