Mesalamine for Ulcerative Colitis, Active User Reviews (Page 2)

• Bea...
• April 24, 2014

Mesalamine "I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis 8 years ago and, due to my financial situation, stopped taking any meds for the past 5 years. But recently, I went back to my GI, and after being reprimanded for my actions, I was put back on Lialda. It has been about 2 and a half months, and most of my symptoms have improved, though I am still having soreness/dull ache in my abdomen and urgency for the bathroom more than my GI thinks I should. A colonoscopy is scheduled in a few weeks to see what the condition of the colon is in, and I may have to add another medication. I would advise, even if you are feeling fine, do not stop taking your meds unless directed by your doctor. I have been told I will need to take meds for the rest of my life."

• Sal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 25, 2020

Mesalamine "I've had ulcerative colitis for nearly 15 years. I'm on quite a few meds for it and have to do intermittent steroid rounds due to active flares. I've had a few flares this year that have been challenging to get under control... with the usual frequency/urgency, blood in stool, pain/discomfort. I have used Canasa suppositories in the past with little improvement. It had been years since I'd used Rowasa - but my doc suggested we try them again... I couldn't be more thankful. Within days, my pain/discomfort/frequency has already been reduced, with an almost immediate decrease in pain/discomfort. ONE THING TO NOTE: before administering this med, make sure to gently shake the bottle THEN SQUEEZE UNTIL THE AIR IS OUT OF THE BOTTLE. Otherwise, it can cause additional gas/pain."

• Cas...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 5, 2020

"I’m on mesalamine for colitis. Just wanted to mention the company that makes it will help with the cost. I called them directly, sent in an application for patient assist. I now get it at no cost. I work. They have different income levels. If you are over a certain amount but under a certain amount, you pay $50 a month."

• GAG...
• December 1, 2012

Mesalamine "I have been taking Lialda for 9 months now for my microscopic colitis, and it is working! I take 3 pills a day with zero side effects. I only have flare-ups if I eat something on my no-no list. My doctor told me I could come off the medication if I want to, as it is the type that will cause remission, but I am too afraid to go back to the pain of my colitis, so I decided to remain taking it. The only problem with this medication is that it is very expensive."

• Ano...
• April 7, 2017

Mesalamine "I was diagnosed with moderate to severe universal colitis on 3/27. I was prescribed Lialda and take 4 pills a day as well as 1 Uceris. I am not exaggerating when I say the relief was almost instant! Within 3 days, I went from urgently using the bathroom 5 - 6 times a day with unbearable abdominal cramps to using the bathroom once a day with no cramps! The only side effects I have noticed so far are slight headaches, occasional trouble sleeping, and more frequent urination, which I will take over my colitis symptoms any day :) Lialda seriously has changed my life in the short 2 weeks I've been taking it ——————————————————— 19 years old Moderate to severe universal colitis Flare started: May 2016 Diagnosed: March 2017 Remission: April 2017"

• Bab...
• June 8, 2014

Mesalamine "I am on day 3 of Lialda. The first day I took all 4 pills with breakfast. Did the same on day 2. Day 2 I had severe diarrhea, chills, and headache. I felt like I had the flu. That night I did the Canasa suppository. Woke up several times in the night, but did not go to the bathroom. Day 3, I woke up with a severe headache and mild diarrhea. I decided that I would take 2 Lialdas with breakfast. I started feeling a little better. It is now night 3, and I just took 2 Lialdas with dinner. Headache is not as severe. I am hoping that by day 7 I feel normal again. I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in 2003. I have not had a flare since 2006 until recently."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 27, 2016

Mesalamine "This medicine has little to no effect on my ulcerative colitis. I was diagnosed with it in early August of this year, I was prescribed Lialda because my case wasn't 'too severe.' I have seen no improvement from this medicine, and I would say my symptoms/flare-ups have become worse and more frequent. Apparently, this medicine works for some people, not me. I haven't noticed any of the side effects from Lialda, but it definitely isn't doing what it is supposed to."

• tpk...
• June 9, 2015

Mesalamine "My GP had me on another drug for 4 years and was feeling great. An annual colonoscopy showed nothing, so the 'Great Gastro' took me off everything, and about a month later, everything blew up. Went back to a Nurse Practitioner who apologized and put me on Lialda and Canasa. 1 week later, great again. Ins Co, after 6 months, decided not to pay for Lialda, so I was put on another couple, worked for a couple months, then blew up again. NP called Ins Co and got them to approve Lialda, Canasa again, and 2 months in, all ok except after eating, still bloating and gas. We explored my eating habits, and she (NP) took me off gluten, and gas and bloating stopped. Joints stopped aching. Try it! Can even touch my toes!!! Best NP around at OSU Gastro Clinic in Co."

• Lue...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 17, 2017

Mesalamine "I was put on Asacol to start when first diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. I was on it for at least three or four months, and things didn't seem to be getting better. It was only when-on vacation-I forgot to take it for a few days and realized that I immediately felt much better. For me, Asacol caused symptoms that were nearly identical to a flare-up of ulcerative colitis."

• Mer...
• July 28, 2019

"45 yr female finally diagnosed with UC after months of misdiagnosis, told bout of gastroenteritis, put on cipro, flagyl, etc. White blood cell count of 24,000 before hospitalized and still misdiagnosed. Had to yes beg for colonoscopy to get correct Dx. Took 50 mg prednisone step down, ended 5 weeks ago, only on mesalamine now, 4 pills 1 x per day. No blood, but still loose/wet small stool 'baby snakes,' never a clean wipe, severe headaches all day, fatigue, flu symptoms, sore throat, eye inflammation, muscle pain, and unbearable teeth pain/pressure. Need blood labs to check kidney and a follow-up with GI. May drop to 3 pills, see if help with awful side effects especially the crushing headaches, the worst, as only can take Tylenol, does nothing. Not sure side effects worth it, hope reduced mg helps. PS taking turmeric & slippery elm at night, still never solid stool. Always carry wipes, but only going 1-2 x per day, so have to pick symptoms tolerate. Don't want to be put on biologics Humira or Stelara, willing to try lower dose first."

• Blo...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 25, 2015

Mesalamine "I loved this medication when I was first diagnosed because I was feeling better immediately, and everything cleared up 2 weeks in. I have been on this medication for almost 2 years now, and I have gained 30 lbs, and when I am on the highest dose of medication, I get painful acne! I never had acne as a teen. I also feel bloated all the time and think Lialda makes me retain water. I forgot to take my pills once, and the UC flare came roaring back within a day or two. My hair is also thinner. Did not fall out, just thinned. Don't enjoy the symptoms, but I do appreciate that it does work!"

• Con...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 15, 2018

"Almost 54 y/o female, recently had initial recommended colonoscopy. Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and prescribed 1.2 gm tablets of mesalamine. My colitis problem was hardly noticeable to me until beginning this medication. I only had slight change in morning BM routine. Now... I'm nauseous, have terrible stomach cramping and pain, as well as diminished appetite. That part not awful since I'd welcome a healthful 15 lb weight loss. I've only been on this medication for 6 days, but I'm very concerned about the cramping and stomach pain. If it persists another day or two, I'll be contacting my GI Dr rather than wait for my 5-week follow-up. The cost of this medicine for a 30-day supply would be almost $600.00 if I didn't have RX coverage. Still, $127.70 a month is steep."

• Ile...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 31, 2018

Mesalamine "I have been on this drug for twenty days. I took myself off it because I've experienced severe joint and muscle pain. I also have rashes all over, including my head. I have lost 11 pounds, which would be nice except it is not fat, it is muscle mass. This drug needs more study! I sincerely hope no one else has to suffer as I have. I have been off it for 9 days now, and things have not improved. I hope this is not something I have to live with, but it appears it might be."

• Anonymous
• November 30, 2008

Mesalamine "After one year of fairly significant ulcerative colitis symptoms, I began taking Lialda. It began working almost immediately. Within a week, I started feeling like my old self again. The only changes I've noticed (unsure if they are side effects or new problems) are tingling in my legs (like restless leg syndrome), sinus issues, sore throat, and trouble falling asleep."

• You...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 17, 2015

Mesalamine "This is my third flare after being diagnosed with UC almost 5 years ago, so I consider myself lucky. I take oral mesalamine, which is becoming less effective against flare-ups. My GI prescribed Rowasa, much to my dismay. It took 4 nights before I got the hang of administering the medication. Retaining it night 1 was almost unbearable. Night 2 was easier, but no less unpleasant. It helps to lay on your left side for 20+ minutes. I haven't had an issue with leakage or side effects, other than the urge to have a bowel movement and really loud gurgling in my lower colon. Faint nausea that passed in less than a minute. But the benefits far outweigh everything - my flare-up has diminished so much in the last 5 days!"

• spe...
• May 19, 2011

Mesalamine "I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2008, treating it with Canasa and Proctofoam. It reoccurred in 2010, which had to be treated aggressively with prednisone, Asacol HD, Proctofoam, and Canasa. I did not continue taking the Asacol HD because of the price. My ulcerative colitis reoccurred again in 2011. Currently, I am taking prednisone plus 3 Asacol HD a day and am very satisfied with the medicine. No side effects for me. Once the prednisone is finished, it's Asacol HD forever to prevent flare-ups/maintenance. Great medicine."

• Anonymous
• September 29, 2011

Mesalamine "I took Pentasa for ulcerative colitis after Asacol started failing. Asacol had worked for me for seven years, but when P&G started having manufacturers make it in Europe, it no longer worked. The Pentasa worked for my ulcerative colitis at a 3-gram per day dosage. The side effects are much worse for Pentasa. I experienced nausea, mild headaches, and severe hair loss."

• Anonymous
• April 2, 2008

Mesalamine "This is a 5-ASA suppository. Helpful in gaining control of a mild UC flare. No side effects. Fairly easy to 'hold in' compared to Rowasa, but doesn't spread as far, pretty much only the rectum. A little lube helps, I also knock off the rough edges on the blunt end."

• Ofl...
• March 25, 2016

Mesalamine "I have been on Lialda for almost a month and take 1200 mg twice a day. Has helped, but my hair is falling out, and I hope it stops soon. I also can't sleep. I am awake until 3 AM and then will doze for about 45 minutes. I like the medication, but not sleeping is a real pain."

• MS ...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 9, 2013

Mesalamine "My daughter takes Lialda for severe Ulcerative Colitis. If the cost is a problem, talk with your doctor for a discount card through the company. When added to your insurance, it only costs about $10, with my insurance, it's $40. If no insurance, I believe it's about $40 a month, not sure, doesn't hurt to check out. The card is good for a year, and you have to call to renew it at no cost. She started taking 4 pills a day, and last summer her doctor dropped her down to 1. Since then, over a period of 5 months, it's back with a vengeance: severe bleeding and pain."

• OVE...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 18, 2018

Mesalamine "I've been taking Pentasa tablets for about 3 weeks. I take two 500 mg tablets, 3 times a day. During the 3rd week, diarrhea set in. So far, I've gone through 7 straight days of diarrhea. I'll be seeing my doctor next week."

• Anonymous
• April 2, 2008

Mesalamine "I've been on Asacol for years - 12 tabs/day. No side effects, easy to take, but sometimes during flares it fails to release. Release is pH dependent (as are some competing drugs), in my case, I think that's the problem. This problem is not well publicized, so doctors aren't aware of it."

• Anonymous
• September 13, 2011

Mesalamine "Colon pain and bleeding occurred while I was out of the country. Doctor thought condition would improve on its own. Condition persisted for three weeks until Canasa was prescribed. Two to three days after administering the medication, symptoms disappeared. It is such a relief to no longer have the stress that occurs with illness. I am pleased that my physician recommended this course of action and wished I'd had this intervention sooner."

• Pac...
• March 29, 2008

Mesalamine "I've taken Lialda for about a month for my UC using doctor samples. It has reduced my flare-ups, although it does take a while and does not work overnight, it seems to be working for me. I want to continue taking Lialda and have a prescription from my doctor but can't seem to find a pharmacy that carries it. My overall rating of Lialda is high because it was working, at least for me. I would suggest finding out if you can get Lialda in your area before consideration."

• Anonymous
• January 11, 2010

Mesalamine "I started taking Lialda 4 months ago for ulcerative colitis after having taken Asacol for a number of years. I have been in remission for a long time, doing reasonably well, but for some reason my doctor wanted me to try Lialda. It has been so nice to only take 2 a day as opposed to 6 of the Asacol a day, and I have had more normal body functions than I have ever had. The only problem, my prescription drug insurance, Medco Health, has removed Lialda from their formulary list. I am really upset about that. I don't know why unless it's because it's so expensive. I guess I'm going to be forced to go back on Asacol....."