Is Pentasa being discontinued?

As of Oct 24, 2026, FDA lists discontinuation notices for Mesalamine Capsule, Extended Release, not a shortage. A discontinuation “does not necessarily create a shortage” (FDA).

When will the Pentasa shortage end?

FDA gives no end date, and no manufacturer posted a recovery estimate for this listing.

Does FDA list alternatives to Pentasa?

No. FDA calls a list of alternatives part of the ‘practice of medicine’. Ask your pharmacist or prescriber.

Is Pentasa (Mesalamine Capsule, Extended Release) being discontinued?

Label: plusbeauxjours · shortage label · not a prescription, not a pharmacy, not FDA

DISCONTINUATION NOTICE

Pentasa: being discontinued (FDA, Oct 24)

Extended-release capsules

A generic extended-release capsule, not your medicine. We draw dosage forms, not products, and never pills you could match to yours.

DRUG

Pentasa

FDA LISTING

Mesalamine Capsule, Extended Release

FORM

ER capsules

STATUS

Discontinuation

FIRST POSTED

Aug 25, 2026

LAST FDA UPDATE

Sep 16, 2026

AS OF

Oct 24, 2026

SOURCE

FDA Drug Shortages ↗ (opens in a new tab)

2 discontinuation notices below, in FDA's words. A discontinuation “does not necessarily create a shortage” (FDA).

FDA Drug Shortages checked Oct 24, 2026, 21:05 ET · FDA updates daily · manufacturer-reported

Information from FDA’s drug shortage list, reported by manufacturers. Not medical advice. Don’t stop, change or ration a medicine without talking to your prescriber or pharmacist.

FDA's listing, word for word: Mesalamine Capsule, Extended Release. 3 presentations from 2 makers.

Check your own medication, form and strength

What to ask at the counter

Is this a supply problem at this pharmacy, or everywhere? Could another pharmacy have it? FDA consumer FAQ (opens in a new tab)
Is my strength or the maker you stock affected? FDA list, by presentation
Is there an alternative to this medicine I should ask my prescriber about? FDA consumer FAQ (opens in a new tab)
When should I check back, or can you order it?

FDA: “talk with your health care provider or pharmacist for other treatment options during the shortage.” FDA Drug Shortages page (opens in a new tab)

This listing on FDA ↗ (opens in a new tab)Report a shortage to FDA: drugshortages@fda.hhs.gov

Discontinuation notices

A discontinuation “does not necessarily create a shortage” (FDA).

Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc., a Viatris Company told FDA it will discontinue Mesalamine (posted Aug 25, 2026).
“Discontinuation of the manufacture of the drug”
FDA listing: Mesalamine Capsule, Extended Release
Takeda Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. told FDA it will discontinue Pentasa (posted Sep 16, 2026).
“Product is anticipated to be available until December 31, 2027”
FDA listing: Mesalamine Capsule, Extended Release

Alternatives

FDA lists none: “Providing a list of alternative drug products for a drug in shortage is part of the ‘practice of medicine.’ FDA does not regulate the practice of medicine.” Your prescriber or pharmacist can talk through options with you. ASHP also tracks shortages and suggested alternatives (different criteria) ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Questions

Is Pentasa being discontinued?: As of Oct 24, 2026, FDA lists discontinuation notices for Mesalamine Capsule, Extended Release, not a shortage. A discontinuation “does not necessarily create a shortage” (FDA).
When will the Pentasa shortage end?: FDA gives no end date, and no manufacturer posted a recovery estimate for this listing.
Does FDA list alternatives to Pentasa?: No. FDA calls a list of alternatives part of the ‘practice of medicine’. Ask your pharmacist or prescriber.