Lialda
(Mesalamine)
Treats inflammatory bowel disease.
Our bottom line
Lialda (Mesalamine) is an effective first-line medicine for inflammatory bowel disease. There isn't a generic version and you'll have to take it multiple times a day.
- Price before coupon$497.99
- Lowest price with coupon$348.35
- Savings30%
- Drug class: Gastrointestinal
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (mesalamine)
Upsides
- Effective first-line medication for treating and lowering the symptoms of mild inflammatory bowel disease.
- About half the people who have mild to moderate colon inflammation and take Lialda (Mesalamine) will see improvement.
- Available in tablets, capsules, enemas, and suppositories.
- Certain forms of Lialda (Mesalamine) can be used during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if you're pregnant, or plan on becoming pregnant, and you want to take Lialda (Mesalamine).
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Download Fact SheetDownsides
- No generic versions are available for the tablets, capsules, and suppositories (meaning it could be somewhat expensive).
- Doesn't work well for severe colon inflammation.
- You may need to take Lialda (Mesalamine) three or four times a day.
- Not a good option if you have kidney disease.
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What to expect from Asacol, on one page
Download Fact SheetLialda (Mesalamine) is an anti-inflammatory medication. Researchers don't know exactly how Lialda (Mesalamine) works in the colon, but it seems to lower the chemicals in the body that cause inflammation.
- Drug class: Gastrointestinal
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (mesalamine)
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release
- Enema
- Suppository
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Get free coupon
$348.35 - CostcoGet free coupon$372.80
What to expect when you take Lialda (Mesalamine) for Ulcerative colitis
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Headache
- Nausea
- Stuffy nose
- Abdominal pain
- Worsening of colitis
Side effect rates for Lialda (Mesalamine)
- Headache35%35%36%36%
- Abdominal pain18%18%14%14%
- Eructation16%16%15%15%
- Pain14%14%8%8%
- Nausea13%13%15%15%
- Pharyngitis11%11%9%9%
- Dizziness8%8%8%8%
- Asthenia7%7%15%15%
- Diarrhea7%7%9%9%
- Back pain7%7%5%5%
- Fever6%6%8%8%
- Rash6%6%3%3%
- Dyspepsia6%6%1%1%
- Rhinitis5%5%5%5%
- Arthralgia5%5%3%3%
- Hypertonia5%5%3%3%
- Vomiting5%5%2%2%
- Constipation5%5%1%1%
- Flatulence3%3%7%7%
- Dysmenorrhea3%3%3%3%
- Chest pain3%3%2%2%
- Chills3%3%2%2%
- Flu syndrome3%3%2%2%
- Peripheral edema3%3%2%2%
- Myalgia3%3%1%1%
- Sweating3%3%1%1%
- Colitis exacerbation3%3%
- Pruritus3%3%
- Adverse events3%3%2%2%
- Acne2%2%1%1%
- Increased cough2%2%1%1%
- Malaise2%2%1%1%
- Arthritis2%2%
- Conjunctivitis2%2%
- Insomnia2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Asacol.
People taking Asacol felt side effect more
People taking Asacol felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Lialda (Mesalamine)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Asthma
- › Rhinitis
- › Nasal polyps
- › Aspirin allergy
- › NSAID allergy
Rarely, Lialda (Mesalamine) can cause serious allergic reactions. These reactions can make it difficult to breathe or cause a severe rash that can be life-threatening. Stop taking Lialda (Mesalamine) and report any skin rash, fever, swelling, or trouble breathing to a doctor right away.
Pharmacist Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this drug for?
This medication treats mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis.Common concerns from people taking Lialda (Mesalamine)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Research studies with animals found harmful effects on unborn babies. It hasn’t been properly studied in humans. The benefits might outweigh the risks even if you’re pregnant. Talk with your doctor.
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.- Not sureSome hassleReviewed Asacolon 12/7/2016Best to take it all at once with your biggest meal of the day33WomanUlcerative colitis (mild to moderate)
- Lialda (Mesalamine) is broken down by the kidney and liver. If you have kidney or liver problems, talk to your doctor because you may need to take a different dose of the medication.
- Rarely, Lialda (Mesalamine) can cause liver injury, hepatitis, and liver failure. Let your doctor know and get medical attention if you notice yellowing skin or eyes.
- Not a good option if you have kidney disease.