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Octasa/Mesalazine

Octasa is a prescription anti-inflammatory medicine used for gastrointestinal disorders. It contains the active ingredient, mesalazine (belonging to the aminosalicylate class of drugs). Mesalazine is thought to relieve inflammation in the intestine by disrupting the enzyme cyclooxygenase and decreasing the production of prostaglandins (inflammation) in the intestinal wall. 

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Octasa/Mesalazine
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Please note that whilst you are able to request the medicine strength and size required,
we will only be able to send on approval from our in house pharmacist.

Starts at £44.00
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Price Comparison

Select your preferred options and see the best price

PackPrice (£)
Octasa MR1600mg (30 tablets)1 Pack59.00
Octasa MR1600mg (30 tablets)2 Packs101.00
Octasa MR1600mg (30 tablets)3 Packs159.00
Octasa MR400mg (90 tablets)2 Packs75.00
Octasa MR400mg (90 tablets)3 Packs113.00
Octasa MR400mg (90 tablets)1 Pack44.00
Octasa MR800mg (90 tablets)2 Packs119.00
Octasa MR800mg (90 tablets)3 Packs185.00
Octasa MR800mg (90 tablets)1 Pack71.00

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Octasa Tablets | Mesalazine Modified-Release for Ulcerative Colitis & Crohn's Disease

When inflammation builds up in the gut, it can lead to ongoing discomfort, urgency, and disruption to daily life. Octasa / Mesalazine tablets are used in ulcerative colitis treatment to reduce inflammation directly in the bowel, supporting long-term intestinal health and improved digestive stability.

As a widely used prescription bowel medication, Octasa works at the lining of the intestine to calm irritation and promote healing, making it a key part of structured colon therapy.

What Are Octasa / Mesalazine Tablets Used For?

Mesalazine tablets are used to treat inflammation in the bowel, particularly in ulcerative colitis and related conditions. They are commonly prescribed for:

  • Ulcerative colitis flare-ups.
  • Maintaining remission after symptoms improve.
  • Managing inflammation in the digestive tract.
  • Long-term bowel inflammation relief.

Although sometimes searched as an IBS medication, Octasa is primarily used when inflammation is present rather than for muscle spasms.

How Octasa / Mesalazine Tablets Work in the Gut

Mesalazine tablets work by reducing inflammation in the lining of the intestine. The active ingredient Mesalazine belongs to a group of medicines that act on the cells of the gut lining, changing how inflammatory chemicals are produced. This results in:

  • Reduced swelling in the bowel.
  • Improved healing of the intestinal lining.
  • Less irritation and discomfort.
  • Better long-term digestive support.

This makes Octasa an effective anti-inflammatory gut treatment for ongoing bowel conditions.

How to Take Octasa / Mesalazine Tablets

Octasa / Mesalazine tablets should be taken exactly as prescribed to ensure they work effectively in the gut.

General guidance:

  • Swallow the tablets whole with water.
  • Do not crush or chew the tablets.
  • Follow the dosing instructions on your prescription label.

Typical use: Taken once daily or split into smaller doses. Dose depends on the condition being treated and severity of symptoms. Long-term use may be required to maintain remission.

Important tips: Avoid taking indigestion remedies within two hours of your dose. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

Taking the tablets correctly ensures proper release in the bowel for effective bowel inflammation relief.

Who Can Use Octasa / Mesalazine Tablets?

Mesalazine tablets are suitable for adults and some children with inflammatory bowel conditions, based on clinical assessment. They may be appropriate for:

  • Adults with ulcerative colitis.
  • Patients needing long-term digestive support.
  • Individuals managing recurring inflammation.

This prescription bowel medication is used under medical supervision to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Who Should Not Take Octasa / Mesalazine Tablets?

Mesalazine tablets may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with certain health conditions. Avoid or take extra care if you:

  • Are allergic to Mesalazine or salicylates.
  • Have kidney or liver problems.
  • Have had reactions to similar medicines.
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding without guidance.

A consultation ensures appropriate and safe colon therapy.

Possible Side Effects of Octasa / Mesalazine Tablets

Like all medicines, Octasa / Mesalazine tablets can cause side effects, although many people tolerate them well.

Common side effects:

  • Indigestion or stomach discomfort.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Diarrhoea.
  • Headache.

Serious side effects:

  • Severe skin reactions or rash.
  • Unexplained bruising or bleeding.
  • Signs of infection such as fever or sore throat.
  • Kidney or liver-related symptoms.

Seek urgent medical attention if any serious symptoms occur.

Possible Interactions with Octasa / Mesalazine Tablets

Mesalazine tablets can interact with medicines that affect kidney function or blood clotting. Inform your prescriber if you take:

  • Anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs).
  • Immunosuppressant treatments.
  • Blood-thinning medicines.
  • Laxatives or digestive treatments.

This supports safe and effective digestive care.

Important Advice Before Taking Octasa / Mesalazine Tablets

Regular monitoring is recommended when taking Mesalazine tablets. You may need:

  • Blood tests to check overall health.
  • Kidney and liver function monitoring.

Additional advice:

  • Stay well hydrated during treatment.
  • Ensure your medication brand remains consistent.

Why Do People Choose Octasa / Mesalazine Tablets?

Mesalazine tablets are chosen for their targeted action and long-term control of bowel inflammation. People often prefer this treatment because:

  • It focuses on the cause of inflammation, not just symptoms.
  • It supports both flare-up control and prevention.
  • It contributes to stable colon therapy over time.
  • It is part of established treatment plans for intestinal health.

For many, it becomes an essential part of managing chronic bowel conditions.

Mesalazine & Bowel Inflammation Treatments

These medicines are used to reduce inflammation in the bowel and are commonly prescribed for inflammatory bowel conditions such as ulcerative colitis. The table below compares commonly prescribed bowel inflammation treatments and how they are typically used.

ProductWhat it isWhat it's mainly used forHow you usually use itWhat to expect
Asacol / Mesalazine TabletsMesalazine anti-inflammatory tabletsUlcerative colitis and bowel inflammationTaken regularly as prescribedHelps reduce inflammation inside the bowel.
Mezavant / Mesalazine TabletsLong-acting mesalazine tabletsUlcerative colitisTaken once dailyDesigned for slow release throughout the bowel.
Octasa / Mesalazine TabletsMesalazine tabletsInflammatory bowel conditionsTaken regularlyHelps maintain symptom control and reduce flare-ups.
Pentasa / Mesalazine TabletsMesalazine tabletsBowel inflammationTaken regularlySlow-release treatment for ongoing inflammation control.
Pentasa / Mesalazine SachetsMesalazine granule sachetsUlcerative colitis and bowel inflammationTaken as prescribedSachet form may be easier for some people than tablets.
Salofalk / Mesalazine TabletsMesalazine tabletsInflammatory bowel diseaseTaken regularlyHelps manage bowel inflammation over time.
Salofalk / Mesalazine SachetsMesalazine granule sachetsBowel inflammationTaken as prescribedGranule form designed for bowel delivery.
Colazide / Balsalazide CapsulesAnti-inflammatory bowel capsulesUlcerative colitisTaken regularlyTargets inflammation in the large bowel.
OlsalazineAnti-inflammatory bowel medicineUlcerative colitisTaken regularlyHelps reduce bowel inflammation and maintain remission.
Sulfasalazine / Salazopyrin TabletsAnti-inflammatory bowel tabletsUlcerative colitis and inflammatory bowel conditionsTaken regularlyHelps control bowel inflammation and symptoms.

Important: This comparison is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. A prescriber will decide which treatment is suitable for you following an online consultation.

How to Order Octasa / Mesalazine Tablets Online from Pharmacy Planet

Ordering Octasa / Mesalazine tablets from Pharmacy Planet is simple and secure.

  1. Complete an Online Consultation — Provide details about your symptoms and health.
  2. Prescription Review — A UK-registered prescriber confirms if Octasa (Mesalazine) tablets are suitable.
  3. Discreet Delivery — If approved, your treatment is delivered directly to your chosen address.
Octasa/Mesalazine Tablets

When inflammation builds up in the gut, it can lead to ongoing discomfort, urgency, and disruption to daily life. Octasa / Mesalazine tablets are used in ulcerative colitis treatment to reduce inflammation directly in the bowel, supporting long-term intestinal health and improved digestive stability.

As a widely used prescription bowel medication, Octasa works at the lining of the intestine to calm irritation and promote healing, making it a key part of structured colon therapy.

Mesalazine tablets are used to treat inflammation in the bowel, particularly in ulcerative colitis and related conditions. They are commonly prescribed for:

  • Ulcerative colitis flare-ups.
  • Maintaining remission after symptoms improve.
  • Managing inflammation in the digestive tract.
  • Long-term bowel inflammation relief.

Although sometimes searched as an IBS medication, Octasa is primarily used when inflammation is present rather than for muscle spasms.

Mesalazine tablets work by reducing inflammation in the lining of the intestine. The active ingredient Mesalazine belongs to a group of medicines that act on the cells of the gut lining, changing how inflammatory chemicals are produced. This results in:

  • Reduced swelling in the bowel.
  • Improved healing of the intestinal lining.
  • Less irritation and discomfort.
  • Better long-term digestive support.

This makes Octasa an effective anti-inflammatory gut treatment for ongoing bowel conditions.

Octasa / Mesalazine tablets should be taken exactly as prescribed to ensure they work effectively in the gut.

General guidance:

  • Swallow the tablets whole with water.
  • Do not crush or chew the tablets.
  • Follow the dosing instructions on your prescription label.

Typical use: Taken once daily or split into smaller doses. Dose depends on the condition being treated and severity of symptoms. Long-term use may be required to maintain remission.

Important tips: Avoid taking indigestion remedies within two hours of your dose. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

Taking the tablets correctly ensures proper release in the bowel for effective bowel inflammation relief.

Mesalazine tablets are suitable for adults and some children with inflammatory bowel conditions, based on clinical assessment. They may be appropriate for:

  • Adults with ulcerative colitis.
  • Patients needing long-term digestive support.
  • Individuals managing recurring inflammation.

This prescription bowel medication is used under medical supervision to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Mesalazine tablets may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with certain health conditions. Avoid or take extra care if you:

  • Are allergic to Mesalazine or salicylates.
  • Have kidney or liver problems.
  • Have had reactions to similar medicines.
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding without guidance.

A consultation ensures appropriate and safe colon therapy.

Like all medicines, Octasa / Mesalazine tablets can cause side effects, although many people tolerate them well.

Common side effects:

  • Indigestion or stomach discomfort.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Diarrhoea.
  • Headache.

Serious side effects:

  • Severe skin reactions or rash.
  • Unexplained bruising or bleeding.
  • Signs of infection such as fever or sore throat.
  • Kidney or liver-related symptoms.

Seek urgent medical attention if any serious symptoms occur.

Mesalazine tablets can interact with medicines that affect kidney function or blood clotting. Inform your prescriber if you take:

  • Anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs).
  • Immunosuppressant treatments.
  • Blood-thinning medicines.
  • Laxatives or digestive treatments.

This supports safe and effective digestive care.

Regular monitoring is recommended when taking Mesalazine tablets. You may need:

  • Blood tests to check overall health.
  • Kidney and liver function monitoring.

Additional advice:

  • Stay well hydrated during treatment.
  • Ensure your medication brand remains consistent.

Mesalazine tablets are chosen for their targeted action and long-term control of bowel inflammation. People often prefer this treatment because:

  • It focuses on the cause of inflammation, not just symptoms.
  • It supports both flare-up control and prevention.
  • It contributes to stable colon therapy over time.
  • It is part of established treatment plans for intestinal health.

For many, it becomes an essential part of managing chronic bowel conditions.

Mesalazine & Bowel Inflammation Treatments

These medicines are used to reduce inflammation in the bowel and are commonly prescribed for inflammatory bowel conditions such as ulcerative colitis. The table below compares commonly prescribed bowel inflammation treatments and how they are typically used.

ProductWhat it isWhat it's mainly used forHow you usually use itWhat to expect
Asacol / Mesalazine TabletsMesalazine anti-inflammatory tabletsUlcerative colitis and bowel inflammationTaken regularly as prescribedHelps reduce inflammation inside the bowel.
Mezavant / Mesalazine TabletsLong-acting mesalazine tabletsUlcerative colitisTaken once dailyDesigned for slow release throughout the bowel.
Octasa / Mesalazine TabletsMesalazine tabletsInflammatory bowel conditionsTaken regularlyHelps maintain symptom control and reduce flare-ups.
Pentasa / Mesalazine TabletsMesalazine tabletsBowel inflammationTaken regularlySlow-release treatment for ongoing inflammation control.
Pentasa / Mesalazine SachetsMesalazine granule sachetsUlcerative colitis and bowel inflammationTaken as prescribedSachet form may be easier for some people than tablets.
Salofalk / Mesalazine TabletsMesalazine tabletsInflammatory bowel diseaseTaken regularlyHelps manage bowel inflammation over time.
Salofalk / Mesalazine SachetsMesalazine granule sachetsBowel inflammationTaken as prescribedGranule form designed for bowel delivery.
Colazide / Balsalazide CapsulesAnti-inflammatory bowel capsulesUlcerative colitisTaken regularlyTargets inflammation in the large bowel.
OlsalazineAnti-inflammatory bowel medicineUlcerative colitisTaken regularlyHelps reduce bowel inflammation and maintain remission.
Sulfasalazine / Salazopyrin TabletsAnti-inflammatory bowel tabletsUlcerative colitis and inflammatory bowel conditionsTaken regularlyHelps control bowel inflammation and symptoms.

Important: This comparison is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. A prescriber will decide which treatment is suitable for you following an online consultation.

Ordering Octasa / Mesalazine tablets from Pharmacy Planet is simple and secure.

  1. Complete an Online Consultation — Provide details about your symptoms and health.
  2. Prescription Review — A UK-registered prescriber confirms if Octasa (Mesalazine) tablets are suitable.
  3. Discreet Delivery — If approved, your treatment is delivered directly to your chosen address.
Frequently Asked Questions

Octasa starts working from the first dose, but most people notice improvement within a few weeks. Full control of symptoms can take longer with regular daily use.

Yes, by reducing inflammation in the bowel lining, Octasa can reduce bleeding linked to ulcerative colitis and improve overall bowel stability over time.

Octasa is often continued to prevent flare-ups. Stopping early can allow inflammation to return, even if you feel well at the time.

It's best to leave a gap of at least two hours. These medicines can affect how Octasa is released and reduce its effectiveness.

Some people notice mild stomach discomfort or loose stools at the beginning. This usually settles as your body adjusts to the medicine.

They contain the same active ingredient, but each brand releases it differently in the gut. That's why staying on the same brand is important.

In rare cases, it can affect kidney function. Regular blood and urine tests are used to make sure everything remains safe during treatment.

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Review By

HARMINDER ‘HARMY’ KAUR

Last Updated On : Mar 13 2026

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GPhC Number: 2061107

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Last Reviewed On : Mar 23 2026

BSc Pharm, MRPharmS, Independent Prescriber, Superintendent Pharmacist, Clinical Lead

GPhC Number: 2050925