Why is Lialda prescribed?

Lialda (Mesalamine) is used to treat mild to moderate ulcerative colitis in adults. It affects a substance in the body that causes inflammation, tissue damage, and diarrhea. Lialda is also used to prevent the symptoms of ulcerative colitis from recurring. Mesalamine Delayed Release (Generic) is also available in addition to the brand name Lialda.

What is the most effective way to take Lialda?

Take Lialda exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• Lialda delayed-release tablets should be taken with a meal.
• Do not crush, break, or chew a delayed-release tablet. Swallow the tablet whole.
• The enteric-coated tablet has a special coating to protect your stomach. Breaking the pill could damage this coating.
• Tell your doctor if you find undissolved tablets in your stool.
• Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
• Call your doctor if your ulcerative colitis symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Before taking mesalamine,

• tell your doctor if you are allergic to it; or to other aminosalicylates; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Ask your pharmacist for a list of ingredients.
• tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney and liver disease, a stomach blockage, or skin problems such as eczema
• During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
• This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
• Children and teenagers should not take aspirin or aspirin-related medications such as Mesalamine if they have the chickenpox, flu, or any undiagnosed illness, or if they have recently received a vaccine.
• Lialda can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are taking Lialda.

Mesalamine may cause side effects including but not limited to:

• muscle or joint pain, aching, tightness or stiffness
• nausea, vomiting
• heartburn
• burping, constipation, gas
• dry mouth
• itching
• dizziness
• sweating
• slight hair loss
• decreased appetite

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away. Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms or those listed in the SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS section, call your doctor immediately:

• chest pain
• shortness of breath
• black or tarry stools
• bloody vomit
• swelling of any part of the body

Mesalamine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking this medication.