How does using a PENTASA suppository help me?
The benefits of ‘top and tailing’ when treating UC
Depending on the type of UC you have been diagnosed with, you may be asked to use a
mesalazine suppository alongside your oral mesalazine. This is commonly referred to as
‘top and tailing’.

‘Top and tailing’ helps the active ingredient to reach the parts of the colon where it is needed
most. This will increase your chance of a longer remission and of achieving mucosal healing,
compared with either treatment alone. 2,3
Mucosal healing is when the colon is completely free of inflammation and ulcers, and is an
important treatment goal recommended by The British Society of Gastroenterology. It has
been linked with the following benefits: 4,5
Helps to keep you in remission longer
Reduces the chance of you needing surgery (colectomy)
Reduces the risk of you developing colorectal cancer
Improves your quality of life by helping you resume your usual
activities and reducing any anxiety and depression
“We suggest that symptomatic remission combined with mucosal healing
should be the target of medical therapy in Ulcerative Colitis” 4
– British Society of Gastroenterology Guidelines 2019



Using one PENTASA suppository a day will help your Ulcerative Proctitis 1,6
Using one PENTASA suppository a day can help achieve both endoscopic remission
and clinical remission after 4 weeks. 1
Endoscopic remission is when there is no longer any inflammation in the intestines,
and clinical remission is when your symptoms of the disease go away, for example,
you no longer have any blood in your stool and you no longer need to go to the toilet
more frequently than usual.

After using one PENTASA suppository a day:
82% of patients
achieved endoscopic
remission after 4 weeks
63% of patients
achieved clinical
remission after 4 weeks
It is important to remember to take your medication as advised by your
IBD Team. Failing to do so means you may not receive the full
therapeutic benefits of the medication.