Lialda
(mesalamine)
Treats ulcerative colitis and helps prevent flares from coming back.
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..
- Price before coupon$606.41
- Lowest price with coupon$95.3084% savings
- 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.
What to expect from Lialda, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- 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.
What to expect from Lialda, on one page
Download Fact SheetThe 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.
- Drug class: Gastrointestinal
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Used for
Dosage forms
- Delayed-release pill
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- AlbertsonsGet free coupon$97.10
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What to expect when you take Lialda (mesalamine) for Ulcerative colitis
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonthsLong term
- Effectiveness
- Full effects
- First few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonthsLong term
- Possible side effects
- Headache
- Gas
- Abnormal liver tests
- Hair loss
- Itching
Side effect rates for Lialda (mesalamine)
- Ulcerative colitis6%6%
- Headache3%3%
- Abnormal liver tests2%2%
- Abdominal pain2%2%
- Diarrhea2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Lialda.
People taking Lialda felt side effect more
People taking Lialda felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Lialda (mesalamine)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- 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)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Swallow delayed-release tablets whole with food once a day.
- 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.