Lialda and Bloating: What Users Say

• Kee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 20, 2015

For Ulcerative Colitis, Active "I have fairly severe ulcerative colitis, and after 4 months of feeling horrible, tired, bloody diarrhea with the constant urge to go and fear of eating and setting it off again, I was finally diagnosed and put on Lialda - 4 pills once a day. At first, it caused horrible gas and bloating and took about a week or so to help the symptoms at all, but after a few weeks, the symptoms were completely gone and the side effects went away as my body got used to the medication. Then, about 1 month into taking it, I developed horrible cystic acne all over my face, neck, chest, even in my nostrils and ears! My doctor cut the dose in half to 2 pills once a day and within a few days, my skin started to clear and heal. I have been on the lower dose for about a month with no problems!!"

• Bos...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 9, 2015

For Ulcerative Colitis, Active "I take Lialda 3.6 g each morning, which cleared up my diarrhea and bloody stool, but I have had neurological side effects of headaches, fatigue, and slow thinking, and abdominal pain, gas, and bloating as well. I'm too scared to switch to other meds despite an Asacol prescription, given the risk of flare-ups when meds change, but I don't want the mental haziness for the rest of my life."

• tpk...
• June 9, 2015

For Ulcerative Colitis, Active "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."

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

For Ulcerative Colitis, Active "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!"

• bmr...
• October 10, 2011

For Ulcerative Colitis, Active "I've been on Lialda for about 3 weeks, and it's not working at all for me. I feel like I have the flu every day, and the severe headache is unreal. I am still bloated and still not going to the bathroom."

• Anonymous
• February 27, 2009

For Ulcerative Colitis, Active "I have taken Lialda for 3 weeks and not much improvement. My doctor increased my intake to 3 pills every day and started me on prednisone. In my opinion, prednisone will do most of the work. I do not plan on taking Lialda long term because of side effects of headache, cramping, bloating, etc. This pill does not work fast enough."

• Dud...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 17, 2021

For Ulcerative Colitis "PT 1: Took Lialda after being diagnosed with UC in 2010, with visible ulcers in the ascending and transverse sections of the colon. I was having severe bleeding with stools, frequent abdominal cramping and gas after meals, frequent diarrhea, and BMs with constant urgency. I took it for 3 years, and in combination with adjusting diet, it cleared the UC symptoms and got me back to normal. I didn't have any severe side effects, it might've made me feel lethargic and overweight at times, which is why I wanted to get off it as soon as I felt better. I had remission for 5 years after I stopped taking it. PT 2: Microscopic colitis came back in the lower colon, and I’ve had no luck with Lialda (generic and brand versions) or Apriso. Had to go on Prednisone twice for flares and have had constant gas, bloating, constipation, and urgency issues for 3 years now. Looking at switching to a biologic pill like Zeposia or Imuran because Xeljanz is now on FDA watch for blood clots."

• Anonymous
• August 28, 2022

For Ulcerative Colitis "This caused gas, bloating, cramps, and slight nausea. I have no idea why this med didn't work. I figured at 76 years old, who needed the extra pain and agony? Oh, I also had diarrhea, that was not good either. It never stopped."

• Bel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 4, 2019

For Ulcerative Colitis, Active "Taking Lialda, 2 pills twice a day, lots of bloating, diarrhea, losing hair... time to call Dr. Been on this med for almost a year... now that he upped it, feel it got worse."