To date, more than 100,000 people have been treated with Lialda. Lialda has the same active ingredient (mesalamine) as some other medicines used to treat ulcerative colitis (UC). And in the decades since mesalamine first became available for the treatment of UC, clinical trials have shown a well-established safety profile. The most common side effects of Lialda are headache and flatulence. Less than 1% of patients experienced inflammation of the pancreas, which led to a discontinuation of therapy with Lialda. If you are lactose-intolerant, you can still take Lialda because it is lactose-free.
Once you start taking Lialda, contact your doctor if you experience any side effects.
Mesalamine has been associated with a condition called acute intolerance syndrome (only 3% of patients in clinical trials with mesalamine or sulfasalazine experienced this condition) that may be difficult to distinguish from a UC flare. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, cramping, bloody diarrhea, headache, and rash. You should tell your doctor immediately if you notice these symptoms. Some patients taking mesalamine have reported heart-related hypersensitivity reactions, such as inflammation of the heart muscle and inflammation of the lining of the heart.
Before you start Lialda
Before you start taking Lialda, tell your doctor if you are:
- Allergic to sulfasalazine, salicylates, or mesalamine
- Receiving treatment for kidney disease or liver disease
- Pregnant, intend to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
- Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Taking either of the following medications:
- azathioprine
- 6-mercaptopurine
Before starting any new medication, it’s always a good idea to tell your doctor about all medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
