Mesalamine and Diarrhea: What Users Say

• SUZ...
• September 20, 2019

Mesalamine for Ulcerative Colitis "I have had colitis for 20 years. I was prescribed steroids but did not want to take them. I had gas, bloating, loose, watery, foul-smelling bowel movements. Up to 20 a day. I started on Asacol 800 mg. I took 6 tabs a day. Two in the morning, 2 midday, and 2 at bedtime. I saw no results and was even passing whole tablets... as I know it is common. I almost threw in the towel. At the 3-month mark, I had formed stools and minimal gas and bloating. You have to be patient. Our bowels did not get sick overnight... so you are not going to be cured overnight. 20 years of issues took about 3 months on Asacol. Now I am down to 2 x 800 mg tabs maintenance dose. 1 tab in the morning and 1 tab at night. I still have the odd loose bowel movement if I eat greasy food or drink too much coffee. But all in all... well worth it."

• Ano...
• June 25, 2015

Mesalamine for Ulcerative Colitis, Active "I was diagnosed with left-sided UC in May of 2015. My GI prescribed 4.8 grams (4 pills in the a.m.) of Lialda, plus 1 Canasa suppository (1 gram) at night. The suppository was for 3 weeks only. Within 2 weeks, the bleeding stopped, and I no longer saw the remnants of the colon tissue erosions when I had a bowel movement. I stopped taking the Canasa after a week and a half because I think it was leading me towards diarrhea, and I felt slight rectal pain. There was no noticeable negative effect to me stopping the Canasa dose at that point. I continued to take the regular dosage of Lialda. I had some dizziness the first week or two, but that has since abated. I also noticed acne that I haven't had in many years. No issues with hair thinning."

• Joh...
• August 5, 2011

Mesalamine for Ulcerative Colitis, Maintenance "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."

• Tum...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 25, 2014

Mesalamine for Ulcerative Colitis, Active "I was told to switch to Lialda after being on Asacol HD for 3 years, 2 pills 3x a day, 800mg each, due to my insurance not covering it anymore. My doctor told me the only difference was the coating, so I felt confident making the switch. By the end of week one of Lialda, 1200mg, 2 pills 2x a day, I was starting to get pain and go more frequently until it turned into diarrhea. I had no flare-ups for a year and had been feeling great on the Asacol, so I immediately switched back to it after a month on Lialda. It was too late, the wheels had already started turning on the road to a flare-up. I am now on day 8 of being back on Asacol, waiting for my prednisone to get me better. I am so disappointed this happened."

• Mic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 18, 2019

For Ulcerative Colitis, Active "Prescribed mesalamine for ulcerative colitis in Jan this year. After two weeks, had severe tummy cramps, bloody diarrhea, headaches, fevers, nausea, and rashes. Was then put on Pentasa after a week, and symptoms got worse. Went back to the specialist and stopped it all 7 days ago and was put on a course of steroids until I go back for my 2nd scope in three weeks and 3rd in 10 months. Symptoms have subsided, but still experiencing severe tummy pains, extreme diarrhea (especially once the steroids wear off, I'm up all night constantly on the toilet 15+ times) and loss of appetite and nausea. I can't find any information on how long this takes to leave my system, and I regret ever starting this medication. It's made my life awful for the last 2 months. :("

• Mic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 18, 2019

For Ulcerative Colitis, Active "Prescribed mesalamine for ulcerative colitis in Jan this year. After two weeks, had severe tummy cramps, bloody diarrhea, headaches, fevers, nausea, and rashes. Was then put on Pentasa after a week, and symptoms got worse. Went back to the specialist and stopped it all 7 days ago and was put on a course of steroids until I go back for my 2nd scope in three weeks and 3rd in 10 months. Symptoms have subsided, but still experiencing severe tummy pains, extreme diarrhea (especially once the steroids wear off, I'm up all night constantly on the toilet 15+ times) and loss of appetite and nausea. I can't find any information on how long this takes to leave my system, and I regret ever starting this medication. It's made my life awful for the last 2 months. :("

• 7ye...
• October 22, 2013

Mesalamine for Crohn's Disease "Diagnosed in 2006 with severe Crohn's disease. Tried a dozen medications and never had any success or even close to finding remission. Consistent pain, diarrhea, nausea, etc.... started Lialda 1.2 GM once daily 4 days ago. My pain, nausea, and everything stopped within a few hours of the first dose except diarrhea, it's actually gotten worse and completely watery. Is this normal, and if so, how long does it typically last? I am SO happy to be 100% pain-free for the first time in 7 years without having to use a painkiller, just want the diarrhea to stop so I can be more active outside of the home with my children."

• Pea...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 3, 2020

Mesalamine for Ulcerative Colitis "I’ve been taking Lialda for 6 years. I started on a very high dose but have reduced it over the years. I do believe it gives me gas, stomach aches, and I often have soft stools and mild cramping. I spoke to my doctor about it, and he agrees it is probably the Lialda, but I didn’t want to switch in fear a new drug would not be as effective. I can deal with the side effects I have, but I definitely don’t want another flare-up. With that said, it works for me, but with annoying side effects. Also, the price is ridiculous! For a while, I could use coupons, but they aren’t available since a generic was introduced. Thank goodness I have insurance, but it’s still high."

• Bab...
• June 8, 2014

Mesalamine for Ulcerative Colitis, Active "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."

• Bab...
• June 8, 2014

Mesalamine for Ulcerative Colitis, Active "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."

• Hey...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 11, 2018

Mesalamine for Ulcerative Colitis "I am 24 years old, and I have secret ulcerative colitis. I recently tried Apriso for the second time this year and had the same results as the first attempt: horrible nausea, cramps, and insanely urgent diarrhea. Up all night. Couldn’t go to work, couldn’t function. I had better control and management without the drug."

• Juv...
• November 20, 2017

Mesalamine for Crohn's Disease, Maintenance "I'm a Filipina, 44 years old, and was diagnosed with Crohn's in 2014. I've been taking Pentasa tabs and suppositories as well. My first 6 months were four Pentasa 500 mg tablets twice a day and 1 suppository before bedtime. There was an improvement, I had less diarrhea and cramping of the stomach. I maintained taking Pentasa for 2 years and reduced the dosage until I took two 500 mg Pentasa a day and 1 suppository. Since I feel better, I decided to stop taking the medicine. Now I'm 3 years without taking any medicine and starting again with diarrhea and bloody stools. Maybe I need to start back on Pentasa again."

• wal...
• October 27, 2015

Mesalamine for Crohn's Disease, Maintenance "I have started the Pentasa. It has given me diarrhea and some stomach cramps when taking it. I have to see if after taking it for a week how it will do with the Crohn's or see about getting off of it. I am also getting cramps in the stomach area when taking this medication."

• Anonymous
• April 11, 2010

Mesalamine for Ulcerative Colitis, Maintenance "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."

• Anonymous
• February 4, 2011

Mesalamine for Lymphocytic Colitis "I am newly diagnosed with LC, I am 38 years old and have suffered with various GI issues for years. Finally got a diagnosis and was started just last week on Asacol 800 mg tabs three times a day. I have noticed that the diarrhea is slightly less frequent and less explosive after only one week. I am hopeful, especially after reading the other users' comments, that this will help me."

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

Mesalamine for Ulcerative Colitis, Active "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."

• bel...
• March 31, 2015

Mesalamine for Crohn's Disease, Maintenance "My main symptoms were diarrhea and bloody mucus stools. Once on Pentasa 4g a day, the symptoms had stopped. Until a month ago, where they began, along with a lot of wind. Was using suppositories as well, initially 1, then 2 per day. I've stopped taking all medication till I see my specialist. So far, symptoms are on worse-better, if anything. No longer running to the toilet all day. I've had colitis for less than a year. I'm 35."

• cos...
• February 7, 2018

For Ulcerative Colitis "I started out using Asacol until they came out with the generic mesalamine. Although this medication has been a miracle drug for me and my ulcerative colitis, the cost, even with my BCBS insurance, is absolutely ridiculous! I am super happy that my colitis is in remission and has been for a while now, all because of this medication, but, good gravy, how can they charge so much for medication? I have often thought about coming off the drug all because of the price, but they have me. I don't want to go back to diarrhea and hemorrhaging. These drug companies are like vampires, they just suck the life out of you. I work 40 hours a week, just so I can pay for my prescriptions."

• cha...
• November 14, 2010

Mesalamine for Ulcerative Colitis, Active "I am a male, age 30, and I was diagnosed with pan colitis 3 years ago. Once I changed my diet (no lactose, less fast food, no sodas), it has seemed to be only confined to my left side. I have had a few flare-ups each year but have always used prednisone each time. This works great for my UC but makes me a grump, I gain weight, get acne, etc. Each time (3-4 times) I have tried Asacol or Lialda, it flushes out my colon with severe diarrhea to the point it is fluid only, and each time I have stopped taking it because of the adverse reactions. Currently, I am in a flare to the point of seeing blood, and I do not want to have to start on prednisone again. So now I am on day 5 of taking Lialda, and the diarrhea has been less each day. Hopefully, I will stop seeing blood soon."

• mid...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 16, 2014

For Ulcerative Proctitis "I've had some minor GI issues all my life, I just figured that's too bad and dealt with it. Over the past 10 years, it's been a little worse, but I rarely have problems, always thinking about food poisoning. Over the past 5 or so years, I developed somewhat recurring symptoms, but in general, very good health. Diarrhea and bloody stool that would subside in under a week or two and happen a few times per year. A few months ago, I ran into a problem I couldn't shake: mucusy bloody stool all the time and loose stools always. It lasted more than 2 weeks, so I had to get it checked finally. A few doctor visits and a colonoscopy diagnosed me with ulcerative proctitis. I'm using the enemas nightly. In under a week of use, I have no blood, no odd discharge, feel normal."

• mid...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 16, 2014

For Ulcerative Proctitis "I've had some minor GI issues all my life, I just figured that's too bad and dealt with it. Over the past 10 years, it's been a little worse, but I rarely have problems, always thinking about food poisoning. Over the past 5 or so years, I developed somewhat recurring symptoms, but in general, very good health. Diarrhea and bloody stool that would subside in under a week or two and happen a few times per year. A few months ago, I ran into a problem I couldn't shake: mucusy bloody stool all the time and loose stools always. It lasted more than 2 weeks, so I had to get it checked finally. A few doctor visits and a colonoscopy diagnosed me with ulcerative proctitis. I'm using the enemas nightly. In under a week of use, I have no blood, no odd discharge, feel normal."

• Anonymous
• July 10, 2017

Mesalamine for Crohn's Disease, Maintenance "Well, I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease at age 29... but the doctors thought I had it before then, I was pregnant, and it laid dormant for about a year. My intestines burst one year ago, and I had to have bowel resection...20 inches and my appendix. After all that, they put me on steroids and Pentasa, two 500 mg, three times a day. At first, I did okay with it, but I'm horrible at taking medicine, so I started decreasing the amount that I took. The doctor is not thrilled, of course, but now that I haven't taken it for a while, I feel no different than when I'm on it. I have diarrhea anytime I eat and occasional gas with pain, but that's it... I'm lucky, I know, and still not sure if I'm making the right choice, but meds are $70/mo."

• Cro...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 26, 2019

For Crohn's Disease "Horrible reactions from three separate drugs with mesalamine in them, much worse than Crohn's flare-ups - Asacol, Pentasa, and I can't remember the other. Vomiting, diarrhea, I became so weak I couldn't hold down food or liquids. While I went through the various treatments (drug changes), I had to be hospitalized off and on, and eventually, I had to go on disability. Once I was off those drugs and with the help of steroids, I became better."

• ang...
• January 19, 2013

Mesalamine for Ulcerative Colitis "I was diagnosed 6 months ago with colitis. I started taking Asacol 400 mg 3x a day. I felt great immediately after the 3rd pill. No diarrhea for 2 whole days! Last night, my stomach started that weird rumbling noise. About an hour later, I had a severe headache! One of the worst I have ever had! I was on my 10th pill. One of the side effects of this medication. Be careful, always call your doctor if you have any side effects with this medication. I stopped taking this medicine, it did not work for me."

• Mr ...
• February 4, 2020

For Inflammatory Bowel Disease "I am 64, had a colonoscopy last July for a positive Cologuard test result. No cancer, but there was a small area of redness the doctor was concerned about. Ordered a CT scan, no definite results. After the exam, did not have a normal bowel movement-I was perfectly fine before the exam. By late August, had serious rectal bleeding, loose stool. Went back in mid-September, they ordered tests for infection/parasites-were negative. In November, I reached the worst point, where I was running to the bathroom almost hourly. I started taking probiotics, based on the recommendation of a friend, and that helped. By late December, started having somewhat solid stool again. I had an appointment with a gastroenterologist at the end of January-at that point, I was recovering quite nicely, and she prescribed mesalamine, which I have been taking for two weeks now, and I am practically back to normal. I don't know exactly why I began to recover on my own, but probiotics definitely help, and the mesalamine sealed the deal."