I just wanted to let you know i went 10 or more times a day for over 15 yrs. until i had a major problem and ended up in the hospital for 3days then found out i had crohns. I have been on 500mg pentasa 8 pills a day since 4-07 and now i am regular in that department. oh yes i still have really lose stool if i eat the wrong food and there is some side affects but i do not suffer everyday of my life like i did for over 15yrs. also in the start flagyl was given for so many months with this med. I hope this will help you. And i alo took prednisone 40mg a day then slowly reduce down 30,20,10,5 then came off of it. But the three drugs together is what brought my colon back to an even key then i went to just pentasa only.good luck i know your pain.