Pentasa and Multi-Vits

natythingycolbery · Post by **natythingycolbery** » Sat Sep 04, 2010 5:46 pm

So, I'm currently on 8 tablets of Pentasa 500mg a day.

I'm also in the process of trying to gain at least a stone (I think thats 14 pounds or something?) that I lost due to the 8 weeks of D i suffered prior to diagnosis and the starting of treatement. But that is slightly off topic.

The issue I have is, that when I went to my GP's office to sort out coming of the anti-depresants she advised me to take some multi-vits as my body is not able to digest things properly. But when I have been reading around I have found that it is advised to not take multi-vits at the same time as Pentasa, but surely my GP wouldn't suggest me taking them if it was a health risk would she? (Although my GP herself didn't put me on the Pentasa my GI did at a later date, I also did see my GP on wednesday last week and she didnt mention anything about it)

My question is really: is this a safe thing to do?

I am planning on asking about this on tuesday when I see my GI but just kinda want a bit of reassurance (I may be freaking out a bit)

Post by **tex** » Sat Sep 04, 2010 6:43 pm

Naty,

I'm not aware of any restrictions against taking a multivitamin with Pentasa. Where did you find that information?

Tex

natythingycolbery · Post by **natythingycolbery** » Sat Sep 04, 2010 7:31 pm

I can't find it, it might be on the leaflet that my medication came on (I know i've mentioned said leaflet on another thread). I'm about to go to bed though so I shall have a look in the morning to see. If not, I've made a thread up for no apparent reason

Post by **tex** » Sat Sep 04, 2010 7:42 pm

Naty wrote:If not, I've made a thread up for no apparent reason

If that should turn out to be the case, please don't feel badly about it. I've had to say, "Never mind", more than once, on this board.

Tex

natythingycolbery · Post by **natythingycolbery** » Sun Sep 05, 2010 7:53 pm

I found the problem today, the multi-vitamins say on them I should check that if i am ok to take them if i am on any medication as it may interfear (sp?) with the medication, i'd best take my multi vits with me to the GI on tuesday!

angy · Post by **angy** » Wed Oct 13, 2010 5:13 pm

Hi natythingycolbery

i take a load of supplements with pentasa and have done for 3 yrs...Just take the pentasa at a different time from the vits...I have never had any problems with this combo in my body...In fact if i dont take my supple,ments i get unwell...aching bones and joints etc..etc . id never get out of bed if i didnt take them. My doc didnt suggest that i take supplements either, that was my decision..but he does check my levels when i ask him...

currently i take

calcium 1000mg daily
vit d 2-3000 daily sometimes higher when bugs set in..
vitc 1000mg daily
omega three high strength 1200mg tabs daily
vit b plus high strength
echincea tincture on occassions
multivitamins 100mg daily

now thats a concoction dont you think lol!!!

if you tipped me up and shook me id rattle lol!!!

natythingycolbery · Post by **natythingycolbery** » Wed Oct 13, 2010 5:30 pm

I had completley forgotten about this thread till I read the email about 10 mins ago! I spoke to my GI and he said that I was ok to take them as long as I stopped taking them if they gave me any side effects. (The only side effect is they helped me fight off 'freshers flu' in a quarter of the usual time it takes me! a good side effect!)

But thanks for the advice all of you!

TooManyHats · Post by **TooManyHats** » Sat Mar 19, 2011 4:57 pm

So, I'm currently on 8 tablets of Pentasa 500mg a day.

Apparently, it's time to make another appointment with my doctor. I'm on half this dose and although the frequency of the D has reduced dramatically (2 to 3 times/day versus 6 to 9 times/day), it's still D nonetheless. I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired. I just hope she's more cooperative this time.

Post by **tex** » Sat Mar 19, 2011 8:15 pm

Arlene,

I believe the "standard" dose of Pentasa is 4 grams per day, (4,000 mg), but some doctors alter the amount, based on their "assessment" of individual patient needs, (IOW, based on their own "whim"). A typical maintenance dose is considered to be 3 to 4 grams per day, so 2 grams per day seems way low, if that's supposed to be a therapeutic dose, (unless you're very petite).

Tex

TooManyHats · Post by **TooManyHats** » Sat Mar 19, 2011 8:50 pm

Thanks Tex. That's what I suspected. I don't think I'm petite at 119 pounds, 5'6". I seriously doubt I'd be this thin if I wasn't sick so long. I've lost 18 pounds now. This has to stop.

natythingycolbery · Post by **natythingycolbery** » Sun Mar 20, 2011 6:03 am

Arlene- I was 107 pounds when I started on 4g a day. I was reduced to 2g a day after 2 months as the D completley stopped and then weaned off them about 2 weeks after I last posted on this thread. I'm 5"7 (if that is important at all).

I am a bit suprised that they started you on half the does I started on, but I supposed that is because different GI's have different methods

If you try to up your dose and they won't cos of you weight feel free to use me as an example of someone who weighed less who used more!

Hope yo get the help you need!

TooManyHats · Post by **TooManyHats** » Sun Mar 20, 2011 7:20 am

Thank you Naty! I surely will!

hoosier1 · Post by **hoosier1** » Sun Mar 20, 2011 9:37 am

Naty (Katy),

It is good to hear from you.

I take Asacol (similar to Pentasa except from the release mechanism) and take a multivitamin. Doctors say its OK and they actually recommend it (why not, huh?).

Rich

natythingycolbery · Post by **natythingycolbery** » Sun Mar 20, 2011 11:10 am

Hi Rich,

I am still floating around this forum, I'm a lot less active though because I'm too busy with uni work and stuff.

Saying that you might all get a ranting thread in a few days.

Katy.