Lialda

(mesalamine)

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Treats ulcerative colitis and helps prevent flares from coming back.

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Our bottom line

Lialda (mesalamine) effectively reduces symptoms of mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis, and may be less irritating than other formulations, but is brand only, so may be more expensive..

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    $393.26
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    $157.28
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Quick facts about Lialda
  • Drug class: Gastrointestinal
  • Rx status: Prescription only
  • Generic status: No lower cost generic available

Upsides

  • Lialda (mesalamine) effectively treats and helps maintain remission of ulcerative colitis.
  • Often used as a first-choice treatment.
  • Since Lialda (mesalamine) is a delayed release form, the pill is taken only once a day compared to other similar medicines and may be less irritating to the stomach and intestines.
  • Available as a generic.
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What to expect from Lialda, on one page

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Downsides

  • Treatment dosage must be taken once a day for a total of 8 weeks.
  • Can take a few weeks before you start to feel the effects.
  • Combination therapy with oral and rectal forms may be needed for some people.
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How it works

The exact mechanism of action for Lialda (mesalamine) remains somewhat unknown. It appears to reduce inflammation in the colon by interfering with the local immune system, and its action appears to be local rather than systemic.

Quick facts about Lialda
  • Drug class: Gastrointestinal
  • Rx status: Prescription only
  • Generic status: No lower cost generic available

Used for

Dosage forms

  • Delayed-release pill
Tried Lialda? Write a review!

Prices and coupons

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What to expect when you take Lialda (mesalamine) for Ulcerative colitis

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  • Effectiveness
  • Full effects
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  • Possible side effects
  • Headache
  • Gas
  • Abnormal liver tests
  • Hair loss
  • Itching
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Side effect rates for Lialda (mesalamine)

  • Ulcerative colitis
    6%6%
  • Headache
    3%3%
  • Abnormal liver tests
    2%2%
  • Abdominal pain
    2%2%
  • Diarrhea
    2%2%
0%
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80%
Where we got our data »

The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Lialda.

Lialda (mesalamine)
Placebo

People taking Lialda felt side effect more

People taking Lialda felt side effect less

No difference

Risks and Warnings for Lialda (mesalamine)

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    • Higher risk if:
    • › Preexisting kidney problems
    • › Taking medications toxic to the kidney

    Lialda (mesalamine) can cause kidney problems. Let you doctor know if you are unable to pass urine, notice a change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine, or increased weight gain. Your doctor will likely check your kidney function before starting Lialda (mesalamine) and periodically throughout treatment with this medication.

Common concerns from people taking Lialda (mesalamine)

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Food
  • Swallow delayed-release tablets whole with food once a day.
Kidneys and liver
  • Lialda (mesalamine) can cause kidney problems. Let you doctor know if you are unable to pass urine, notice a change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine, or increased weight gain. Your doctor will likely check your kidney function before starting Lialda (mesalamine) and periodically throughout treatment with this medication.