Ulcerative colitis doesn’t pause for paychecks. Flare-ups cause bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and urgent bathroom trips that disrupt work, social events, and sleep. Your gastroenterologist prescribes pentasa because consistent use keeps inflammation under control and helps you achieve remission. Then you discover the monthly cost exceeds what many people spend on groceries.
At The Rx Advocates, we know how difficult it can be to afford monthly medications when managing chronic conditions. We work with people who have insurance and those who don’t, bringing them substantial savings on the medications they need to stay healthy.
What is the Pentasa Patient Assistance Program?
Pharmaceutical companies sponsor programs for patients managing ulcerative colitis who face financial barriers. The program ensures qualifying individuals maintain consistent access to pentasa.
You provide your gastroenterologist’s prescription and household income documentation. Our team coordinates with your doctor’s office, compiles materials, submits your application, and monitors progress until approval. Once enrolled, your medication ships on schedule.
We work with more than 100 pharmaceutical manufacturers, allowing people to access more than 800 FDA-approved medications. We handle all applications simultaneously.
How to Qualify
In order to qualify for assistance, patients must meet certain income requirements:
- Individuals who make less than $40,000 per year may qualify
- Couples who make less than $60,000 per year may qualify
- Large families who make less than $100,000 per year may qualify
- Valid prescription from licensed healthcare provider is required
However, it’s important to note that even if you meet these guidelines, approval isn’t guaranteed. Every program has different criteria. Contact us so we can review your case.
Cost of Pentasa
with The Rx Advocates
The monthly service fee depends on the number of medications you take. For example:
$80 / Month
$90 / Month
$100 / Month
$110 / Month
NOTE: In addition to our monthly service fee, we charge a one-time enrollment fee of $35.
Our service is month-to-month, so if you’re not happy with it, you may cancel at any time.
The Rx Advocates Can Help Reduce Pentasa Costs
Our patients can rest assured they will never discover hidden fees when they work with us. Our enrollment fee is only $35 (one time), and after that, patients pay between $80 and $110 per month depending on how many prescriptions they need. Medications are delivered right to their doors at no additional cost.
We don’t offer discount cards, coupons, or insurance plans. Instead, we work directly with patient assistance programs. We apply for the appropriate programs and pass savings along to the people we assist.
Cost of Pentasa vs Other Options
$80.00/month
$1734
* Source: GoodRx.com
Last Updated: September 29, 2025. Actual retail prices may vary by pharmacy and location.
Why Patient Assistance Programs Beat Coupons
Using coupons could seem effective for lowering costs, but it’s essential to consider limitations. Patient assistance programs provide more substantial long-term savings.
Coupon limitations
- Usage restrictions: Often restricted to certain pharmacies or designated timeframes
- Insurance hurdles: If your plan has copay accumulator program, coupons may not reduce out-of-pocket maximum
- Expiry dates: Typically expire beyond certain time
- Partial coverage: Cost might still be high with insufficient insurance
PAP advantages
- Substantial savings: More significant long-term savings than coupons
- Fixed costs: Patients never pay more than monthly fee
- Ongoing support: We remove application stress
- Home delivery: Medications delivered at no additional cost
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
People managing ulcerative colitis typically ask these questions about reducing medication costs.
With The Rx Advocates, patients pay a fixed monthly service fee, which depends on the number of medications covered.
- 1 Medication (Pentasa only) – $80 per month
- 2 Medications (Pentasa + 1 other) – $90 per month
- 3 Medications (Pentasa + 2 others) – $100 per month
- 4+ Medications – $110 per month
Importantly, there are no hidden fees, and prices remain consistent even if retail costs fluctuate.
Cost varies based on factors:
- Insurance coverage: People with insurance may pay less because of copay or coinsurance
- Pharmacy location: Location plays role in price
- Dosage: Higher strength doses may be more expensive
Even at its lowest dose, the amount is substantial, making medication unaffordable for most people without assistance.
Individuals making less than $40,000, couples making less than $60,000, and large families making less than $100,000 per year may qualify. Every program has different guidelines.
Applying for programs can be difficult and stressful. We remove that stress and provide savings needed. We handle the entire application process and ongoing refills.
About Pentasa
Pentasa (mesalamine) is medication prescribed to patients diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, belonging to a class called aminosalicylates.
How it works: Ulcerative colitis causes chronic inflammation in the lining of the large intestine, leading to ulcers and bleeding. Pentasa reduces this inflammation. It takes time for medication to build up in your body, but when taken consistently, patients can expect symptom improvement in two to four weeks.
Administration: Taken three to four times daily, with or without food. Available in tablet and capsule form. Consistent daily use is essential for maintaining remission.
Side effects:
- Common: Headaches, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
- Serious: Kidney problems, severe allergic reactions, worsening colitis, liver problems
Important warnings: Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition requiring lifelong management. Stopping medication or skipping doses can trigger flare-ups. Patients should inform their doctor if they have kidney disease, liver disease, or history of allergic reactions to aspirin before starting.
Get Started Today
Ulcerative colitis requires consistent medication to maintain remission. When Pentasa becomes financially impossible, people skip doses or abandon treatment. Flare-ups follow, bringing symptoms that derail daily life.
Applying for assistance programs can be overwhelming. We remove that barrier.
