Mesalamine for Ulcerative Colitis, Maintenance User Reviews

• Mad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 19, 2019

Mesalamine "I’ve tried taking Lialda 1.2g several times in a 3-month time frame. It really seems to help with my ulcerative colitis. It improved my diarrhea (7/10) and stomach pain (8/10). It pretty much does its job of keeping me in remission. But every time I take this, my mood changes, my jaws and cheek hurt, I can’t speak properly, I can’t focus, and I just don’t feel like doing anything. At first, I thought it was all in my head (pigeon superstition). And so I experimented with it about 6 times, and it happened every single time. Even as I’m writing this, my jaws hurt, I can’t focus, don’t want to talk, and I’m avoiding doing my homework, and I have a 3-hour class to go to! Maybe I’m an exception to the common side effects. I think it’s worth writing this review just in case someone else has similar side effects."

• GTa...
• March 12, 2021

Mesalamine "I've used both the Salofalk foam and the liquid Salofalk enema and recommend trying this if you are struggling. It takes longer to administer but is easier to keep in. If you're having issues with the foam, I recommend the following: - Make sure to release the foam slowly. It's less of a shock to the system and helps reduce that reflex muscle action that makes you want to evacuate it. - Wait at least 30 seconds before the second dose, otherwise, you just feel too full when the second dose is released. - After the second dose, don't withdraw the nozzle immediately. Wait at least 30 seconds. When you withdraw it, do so as fast as possible. This stops any residual foam from coming into contact with (for want of a better word) your anus and causing a burning sensation. - Finally, it doesn't say this on the foam instructions, consider lying on your left side for 30 minutes after your treatment. This helps the foam get to where it needs to go and makes it easier to keep in. Hope this helps someone and good luck!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 13, 2013

Mesalamine "I have had ulcerative colitis for 30 years, on Asacol for 17. I took it during 2 pregnancies with no ill effects. This medicine has helped me stay in remission for the past 17 years, at a low dose (I would like 4 400 mg/day, but it's too expensive, so I'm making do with 2). A lifesaver."

• Anonymous
• October 3, 2010

Mesalamine "I've had ulcerative colitis now for 28 years. I took Asacol during all my three pregnancies with no side effects. I did have a major flare-up after the first delivery, though, despite the Asacol. My ulcerative colitis is now completely under control, so much so that my doctor said that my colon looks completely healthy. I take 4 tablets per day. I do forget occasionally, but it has worked miracles for me. I can also eat everything."

• Chu...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 12, 2019

"I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2007. I was originally put on 4.8 gm/day of mesalamine. After a year on it, my colitis was non-detectable, and I was put on 2.4 gm/daily for maintenance. I've been taking this medication for over 10 years now with no complications or side effects. I've had occasional flare-ups and simply increased the dosage back to the original 4.8 gm/daily until the symptoms cleared (usually within a week). My last colonoscopy in 2018 also showed no signs of the colitis. I've had very good results with this medication."

• Jer...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 16, 2012

Mesalamine "I have been on Asacol, two 400 mg pills three times a day. It has done wonders for me. I have no side effects at all, and it has kept my ulcerative colitis in remission with no symptoms at all. While my doctor has told me to stay on the full dosage, the bottle says that after 6 weeks one should go on maintenance of only 4 pills per day. Due to the expense of these pills, I am already down to 5 pills per day and am still doing great."

• Jer...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 1, 2017

Mesalamine "I was diagnosed with UC when I was 20 years old. I am now 64, so 44 years with this annoying condition. Over the years, I have been put on various medications, but Asacol tablets, along with occasional Asacol foam enemas, have kept me well. I take 8 x 400 mg tablets a day (4 first thing in the morning and 4 last thing at night), no side effects whatsoever. I only need the foam enemas if I get a bit of mucus or that 'colitis feeling,' and the enemas work within two or three days. I use the enemas for a week, though, to be on the safe side."

• Joh...
• August 5, 2011

Mesalamine "I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis when I was 17, had a colonoscopy done, and that's when I was prescribed Asacol. It was terrible, my diarrhea was just horrible, and it also came with a lot of blood. I started taking Asacol, about 9 pills daily. After about a couple of months, the diarrhea was completely gone. That's when I thought it was okay to stop taking them, so about 4 years later, the flares started happening again. So I don't recommend delaying the pills."

• Mam...
• December 29, 2011

Mesalamine "I was prescribed Asacol, Apriso, had 3 sessions of Remicade, all with disappointing results. I have been using Lialda for about 21 months. I was in total remission until about 2 weeks ago, so I did really good for nearly a year. Then one hugely stressful incident caused a flare-up. I am working with my doctor to get back on track."

• Lee...
• August 27, 2010

Mesalamine "I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 1991. For the last few years, I have been using Asacol, with no problems, only if I try to stop taking it, which I'd rather not do. It's really helping me. I'm 46 and happy. I'm going for a colonoscopy every year just to make sure everything is fine."

• Anonymous
• March 19, 2010

Mesalamine "I have been taking Asacol for my UC for 6 years now. I strongly recommend taking it 3 times a day (I take 3 pills, 3x per day), it is better to have a higher frequency of the drug in your system. I haven't had a flare in 3 years, it has provided great results."

• imf...
• December 3, 2014

Mesalamine "Have had colitis for 20 years and been on mesalamine for all of it. Asacol was inconvenient because 6 pills throughout the day were hard to do. Lialda is very expensive even with insurance and their card, but it works, and it's only two pills a day. The dietary changes and medication are worth it if I can eliminate surgery."

• UP2...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 14, 2014

Mesalamine "I have been diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis (Proctitis) for the last 4 years. Lialda has worked best for me with no side effects. I am taking 2 tablets twice daily. For people with Ulcerative Colitis in the distal part of the colon, Lialda will work best. I tried to switch to Apriso 2 years ago only because of the cost of Lialda and had a worse flare-up, which took 6 months to get back to normal with oral steroids and steroid enemas. I am using the Lialda Pharmacy Savings card, which reduces my copay to $10/month."

• CJN...
• July 30, 2009

Mesalamine "Like the others mention, I was put on Asacol after a hospital stay, which included high doses of prednisone and transfusions. I was prescribed Asacol and have been flare-free for just over 1 year now. Occasionally, I experience slight nausea after taking it, but I have found that taking it with a meal reduces or eliminates that problem. I intend to continue to take this medicine because I feel it has allowed me to live a normal life again."

• KBD...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 7, 2019

"Has anyone had issues with their sinuses and throat on mesalamine? I already had post-nasal drip and allergies. However, I feel like the mesalamine has heightened it. My throat never feels 100% either! Just curious."

• Dow...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 14, 2019

"Mesalamine did absolutely nothing for me, but I’m sure it put some extra money into my doctor’s pocket. I told my sister (who is a teacher) about my colitis and the medication the doctor put me on. She told me to drink dandelion root tea because it’s a probiotic... CLEARED IT UP COMPLETELY IN ABOUT A WEEK AND A HALF. I drank it every day during that time. I had been bleeding for a whole year before the tea (even during the Lialda)."

• Anonymous
• October 20, 2008

Mesalamine "Asacol has worked perfectly for me. I was diagnosed with moderate ulcerative colitis, started taking Asacol (along with enemas, for about 2 months), now I'm completely off the enemas and still taking the Asacol tablets twice a day at 4 pills per time (8 per day). It has been about four months since I've had any sign of my colitis, and I intend to keep taking Asacol. I am reducing my dose to 6 pills per day for the next month or two, then I'll go down to 4 pills per day and see if that dosage will keep it away. I am very pleased with this drug."

• Jea...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 31, 2017

Mesalamine "Previously taking Sulphasalazine from the age of 20, which was awful for me. I was admitted to the hospital on several occasions, and the dose was combined with high steroid treatment. I became paranoid, so the steroids were slowly reduced, then stopped. I found out about Asacol from a medical journal (I was a nurse). I asked if I could start taking it as I'd given up on the Sulphasalazine. Within weeks, I had no symptoms. I stayed on it for 2 years. I was lucky as I had 18 years with no problems. In 2004, it came back - but it was mild. I saw my GP, who prescribed Pentasa, and my gut went wild. I went back onto Asacol and once again, within weeks, I was symptom-free. I'm on a low dose at 70 years of age. Not bad as I was told I'd not make 25!"

• Anonymous
• April 11, 2010

Mesalamine "Asacol caused high diarrhea within 1-2 days, then was switched to Colezol, and within about 2 months had a bad flare-up, which stopped within 2 days of discontinuing Colezol. Have since learned that if you are intolerant of Asacol, Colezol should not be prescribed. Are going to end up with same issues."

• Sta...
• September 15, 2011

Mesalamine "I have been taking Apriso since December 2010 and have had no flare-ups. My doctor told me it is fine for long-term use, and as of right now, September 2011, he has no plans to take me off it. The only side effect I have experienced is some muscle stiffness."

• Anonymous
• June 19, 2008

Mesalamine "I have been using Asacol for about 6 years. At the onset of ulcerative colitis, I was on high doses of prednisone with the Asacol. It took over a year to get stabilized, but the past two years have been event-free. The only complaint I have is that the doctor did not explain how Asacol works. I thought it was not working because I was passing whole tablets. I actually was breaking some of the pills, thinking I was helping when, in fact, I was hurting the situation. Now taking 9 x 400 mg pills daily."

• Anonymous
• July 20, 2008

Mesalamine "I have had ulcerative colitis for 16 years, and I am 31 years old. I can tell you that I've been on pretty much every drug out there to control it. Asacol has been the only drug that I can take without getting any horrible side effects and keep my illness under control. It was even safe throughout my pregnancy. I do take anywhere from 8 to 12 pills a day, but it's so worth it."

• Anonymous
• August 28, 2010

Mesalamine "I was taking Lialda for active inflammatory bowel disease, with very good results, but the insurance changed and dropped it. I have been on Colazol and others. By and large, I have not had any luck with generic versions. Do okay with Apriso but have discomfort in my lower intestines and very paste-like movements. Also flare up more often, I think. Might ask to try something else."

• Anonymous
• July 20, 2008

Mesalamine "At the onset of my ulcerative colitis (UC), I was hospitalized for an extended time. I lost a lot of blood and had a transfusion. I was put on a very high dose of prednisone and was then introduced to Asacol. While on Asacol, I've had just a few minor UC attacks that went away quickly when 'upping' the Asacol during the flare-up. I think it's a great drug. I currently take 6 pills a day for maintenance."

• mar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 15, 2024

"I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis 9 months ago. I was put on steroids, suppositories, and Salofalk granules. After 8 weeks, I was in remission. I am now only taking Salofalk granules for maintenance, 3g in the morning. Life saver! Also, can eat everything. I'm feeling fantastic. Salofalk granules are working for me. Definitely a 10 out of 10. Be safe, take care."