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Home > Drug Category > Disorders of the Digestive Tract (IBS,Crohns Disease,Stomach) > Lialda and Equivalent

Lialda Information:

Lialda (mesalamine) is an anti-inflammatory drug used to treat inflammatory bowel diseases, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. In these inflammatory bowel conditions, the immune system attacks the lining of the colon and rectum, resulting in painful swelling, sores, or ulcers. Lialda is used to treat acute flares of ulcerative colitis. It is also used to prevent acute flares by maintaining remission in patients with ulcerative colitis. It's typically prescribed for mild to moderate cases. It can also be used to treat acute flare-ups of Crohn's disease and induce remission.

Mesalamine (also known as 5-aminosalicylic acid) belongs to the aminosalicylates class of drugs. It works topically at the site of the lesion in the gut rather than systemically throughout the body. Instead of being absorbed into the bloodstream, as many pills are, the medication is designed to coat the inflamed tissue directly. It inhibits the production of specific inflammatory mediators and may act as an antioxidant, thereby reducing inflammation and irritation. This reduced inflammation allows the colonic lining to heal, which may explain why patients often experience a decrease in diarrhea and rectal bleeding following this medication.

Lialda specifically employs a multi-matrix system technology, which appears to ensure that the drug is released slowly and evenly throughout the entire large intestine, rather than dissolving too early in the stomach. This targeted approach helps keep the disease in check over long periods with minimal widespread side effects.

Lialda Side Effects

While this medication is generally well-tolerated, it can cause some notable side effects. Common side effects include abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, joint pain, runny nose, sore throat, and indigestion. Contact your doctor if these mild side effects persist or worsen.

Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, body itching, body rash, skin blistering, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat;
• Acute intolerance syndrome with symptoms like worsening abdominal or stomach cramps or pain, bloody diarrhea, chills, and fever;
• Difficulty in breathing, cough, chest pain;
• Easy bruising or bleeding;
• Idiopathic intracranial hypertension with symptoms like intense or recurrent headache, disturbed vision, or ringing or buzzing in the ears;
• Kidney problems such as such as a change in the colour or amount of urine produced and swollen limbs, or sudden flank pain;
• Liver problems with symptoms like right-sided stomach pain, yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, dark urine;
• Low red blood cells with symptoms like dizziness, pale skin, unusual tiredness or weakness;
• Severe skin reaction like flat red rash or blisters on your skin, involving the mouth, nose, and genitals

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Lialda Precautions

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to aspirin, mesalamine, other ingredients in Lialda, or any other medicines. Before you start taking this medication, ensure that you inform your doctor about any prior or current medical conditions, including the following:
• Active viral or bacterial infection;
• Blood count disorders, such as low white blood cells;
• Breathing problems such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
• Gastrointestinal issues such as a blocked intestine or slow emptying;
• Heart disease;
• Kidney disease;
• Liver problems;
• Pancreas problems

Some individuals may experience a confusing reaction where their body reacts to the medication by mimicking a massive colitis flare-up. If your condition suddenly worsens after starting this medication, it may suggest an acute intolerance, indicating a need to seek medical care immediately. Lialda may increase your skin's sensitivity to sunlight. Therefore, it is advised to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.

There is a low risk of this medication causing adverse effects to the unborn baby during pregnancy. However, it is imperative to consult your doctor before taking this medication if you are pregnant to assess its benefits and risks to you and your fetus. If you're breastfeeding, the main thing to watch for is whether your baby develops diarrhea, as small amounts of the drug can pass through milk. This medication is not recommended for children weighing less than 24 kg. Taking this medication could potentially reduce sperm production. If this is something you're concerned about, talk to your doctor.

Taking this medication with immunosuppressants such as azathioprine may increase the risk of leukopenia (a decrease in white blood cells), which can leave you more vulnerable to infections. Therefore, before taking Lialda, inform your doctor about any other medications you are currently taking, including herbal medicines and supplements, to determine whether mesalamine is safe to use with them.

Swallow Lialda tablets whole once daily as directed by your physician, ideally during a meal to ensure the medication moves correctly through your digestive tract. You must never crush, chew, or break the tablet, as doing so destroys the specialized coating that protects the medicine from stomach acid. This protective layer ensures that mesalamine reaches the colon, where it can treat inflammation directly. Drink a full glass of water with your dose to support transit and maintain kidney function. Consistency with this medication remains the most crucial factor in maintaining remission in ulcerative colitis. Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Lialda?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Lialda.