Lialda
(Mesalamine)
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Treats inflammatory bowel disease.
Skip Upsides & Downsides section. Skip to side effects section.
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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.
Lowest price near you
- Price before coupon$606.43
- Lowest price with coupon$93.5085% savings
Quick facts about Asacol
- 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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What to expect from Asacol, on one page
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Downsides
- 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 SheetHow it works
Lialda (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.
Quick facts about Asacol
- Drug class: Gastrointestinal
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (mesalamine)
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release
- Enema
- Suppository
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Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.Prices and coupons for 60 (1.2g) tablets of mesalamine near
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See more prices and coupons in your areaWhat 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)
From 239 clinical trials of Asacol when taken for ulcerative colitis
- 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%
0%
10%
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30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Where we got our data »
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Asacol.
Lialda (Mesalamine)
Placebo
People taking Asacol felt side effect more
People taking Asacol felt side effect less
No difference
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
Lialda (Mesalamine) questions for
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?Pregnancy
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.FDA pregnancy category for Asacol
CWeigh risks vs. benefits
Food
- Not sureSome hassleReviewed Asacolon 12/7/2016Best to take it all at once with your biggest meal of the day33WomanUlcerative colitis (mild to moderate)
Kidneys and liver
- 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.