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Affordability Check

How to afford Pentasa

Generic name: mesalamine

Pick how you're covered. We'll show you the cheapest legitimate way to get Pentasa — your insurance copay, manufacturer savings, charity grants, or cash price. It takes 30 seconds and we never ask for your personal information.

How are you covered for prescriptions?

Pick the one that fits you. We'll show you the cheapest way to get this drug.

Pick an option above to see your specific path.

Different insurance means different laws and different savings. For example, Medicare patients cannot use manufacturer copay cards (federal law) — but the manufacturer almost always has a Patient Assistance Program that gives the drug free.

About Pentasa and its cost

What is this medication? Pentasa is a prescription medication that contains the active ingredient mesalamine, which belongs to a class of drugs known as aminosalicylates. It is primarily used to treat and manage inflammatory bowel diseases, specifically ulcerative colitis. The medication works locally in the digestive tract to reduce inflammation, swelling, and tissue damage in the lining of the colon and rectum, which helps to alleviate symptoms such as rectal bleeding, stomach pain, and frequent diarrhea.

In addition to treating active flare-ups of mild to moderate ulcerative colitis, Pentasa is often prescribed as a maintenance therapy to help patients stay in remission. By controlling the underlying inflammation over the long term, the drug helps prevent the recurrence of symptoms. While it is most commonly associated with ulcerative colitis, some healthcare providers may also use it to manage certain cases of Crohn's disease that affect the colon. It is typically administered as extended-release capsules designed to release the medication gradually throughout the intestinal tract.

Pentasa is made by Takeda. Like most brand-name drugs, it's priced at a high list price — but patients rarely pay that list price. The options above are the real paths most people use to get it affordably.

Common questions

What's the cheapest way to afford Pentasa?

It depends on your insurance. On Medicare, apply for the manufacturer's Patient Assistance Program (PAP) — it gives the drug free if you meet income requirements. With private insurance, the manufacturer copay card usually drops your copay to $0-$25. Uninsured patients should compare the PAP with Cost Plus Drugs cash price.

Can I use a copay card with Medicare for Pentasa?

No — federal law (the Anti-Kickback Statute) prohibits manufacturer copay cards on Medicare, Medicaid, TriCare, and VA prescriptions. But Takeda has a separate Patient Assistance Program for Medicare beneficiaries. Check the options above.

Does my Medicare Part D plan cover Pentasa?

Part D coverage varies by plan. We query the CMS Prescription Drug Plan file to show you what percentage of plans cover it and at what tier. For your exact copay, pick "Medicare" above and check your plan's Summary of Benefits, or log in to Medicare.gov.

How long does a Patient Assistance Program take?

Most PAPs take 2-6 weeks from application to first fill. Ask the manufacturer about a "bridge supply" — many will ship 30 days free while your application is being reviewed so you don't go without the drug.

What if I have a high-deductible plan?

For generics, Cost Plus Drugs cash price is often cheaper than your deductible-phase copay. For brand names, the manufacturer copay card almost always wins. A GoodRx coupon can be a last resort for uncovered drugs, but it doesn't count toward your deductible.

Are there charity grants for Ulcerative Colitis?

Charities like HealthWell Foundation, PAN Foundation, Good Days, and the National Organization for Rare Disorders provide copay help for specific conditions. Funds often run out mid-year — apply early. We list the specific grants for your condition in the options above.

More about Pentasa