Lialda contains mesalamine and is prescribed to treat cases of mild to moderate ulcerative colitis in adults and to prevent the symptoms including stomach pain, diarrhea and rectal bleeding from returning. Mesalamine is a aminosalicylate medication and works by affecting substances in your colon which cause diarrhea, inflammation and tissue damage.

Always read the medication information and instructions before using this medication.
Always follow your doctor’s directions.

• Mesalamine should be taken with a meal and is typically taken once daily.
• Swallow Lialda whole without chewing, crushing or breaking the tablets as this prevents the medication from being properly released into your colon.
• Lialda is most effective when taken regularly. Try to take Lialda at the same time each day.
• Speak to your doctor if your condition does not improve or if you find undissolved tablets in your stool.

Make sure to tell your doctor:

• If you have any drug or other allergies.
• If you take any other prescription or over-the-counter medications.
• Your medical history especially of stomach conditions, stomach or intestinal blockage, heart disease, inflammation around the heart liver disease, kidney disease or skin problems.
• If your skin is sensitive to the sun or UV light.
• If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
• If you are breast-feeding. Mesalamine passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant.

Other information you should also know:

• This medication should not be taken by children or teenagers if they have recently received a vaccine or if they have flu, chickenpox or any other undiagnosed illness.

Common side effects of Lialda:

• Abdominal pain.
• Headaches.

If you have any of the following mesalamine side effects, seek medical help:

• Signs of worsening ulcerative colitis including increased abdominal pain, cramping, fever or bloody diarrhea.
• Changes in your amount of urine.
• Dark urine.
• Jaundice.
• Persistent stomach or abdominal pain.
• Persistent nausea or vomiting,
• Shortness of breath.
• Chest pain.
• Symptoms of an allergic reaction including difficulty breathing, hives or swelling in your face, lips or throat.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Lialda?

If you miss a dose of Lialda, you should take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, then skip your missed dose.

What is the generic alternative to Lialda?

Generic Lialda is known as mesalamine delayed release and is available in the same 1200mg strength.