Mesalamine User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

• Johnny
• August 5, 2011

Asacol (mesalamine) for Ulcerative Colitis, Maintenance "I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis since I was 17 had a colonscopy done and that's when I was prescribed Asacol. It was terrible my diarrhea was just horrible, it also came with a 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 recommended delaying the pills. "

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

Asacol (mesalamine) for Ulcerative Colitis, Maintenance "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 400mg 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 mucous 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."

• Bud
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 10, 2019

Pentasa (mesalamine) for Crohn's Disease, Maintenance "I am 70. I was diagnosed with Crohns disease three years ago after I had severe rectal bleeding for the third time in three months. I was put on Prednisone for four weeks then 6-MP. A week later I ended up in the ER. It took the hospital six days to find out what was wrong with me but finally diagnosed sepsis. The 6-MP was replaced with Budesonide for a month then I began taking two Pentasa pills four times a day. The Pentasa seems to be working perfectly. I have a few minor side effects but some or all may come from by heart medicines."

• Lucky...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 26, 2020

Lialda (mesalamine) for Ulcerative Colitis "I started taking Lialda in April 2015, 4 tablets a day for my ulcerative colitis. After being sick for many months and in and out of the emergency room I was ready for something that would help me get my life back. I was having diarrhea with blood multiple times a day along with abdominal pain and cramps and down to 106 pounds. Lialda started working almost instantly for me. Within a week I was no longer having any loose stools, blood, and my pain level was down 80%. I had some side effects such as headaches, chills, fatigue, and dizziness; a small price to pay for how much Lialda helped me and saved my life. I was able to slowly decrease my dose to 2 tablets a day, then 1, and now none. I gained weight and started to feel more like myself again. For me personally it was a great experience that was worth any side effects that eventually went away after my body was used to the medication. I would definitely recommend Lialda, maybe it can help you like it helped me."

• MyNun...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 7, 2024

For Ulcerative Colitis "I have had UC for 24 years. I have been on Lialda (mesalamine) for 10 years. Ten beautiful remission years. Sadly, the hormone fluctuations of menopause have brought on a flare (Mayo score 3 spontaneous bleeding) & my doc is moving me off of Lialda onto Entyvio infusions. Up until now, I had a great experience with Lialda. Perfect colonoscopies 2-3 years apart. The only side effect I had, and ONLY if I took it irregularly, was a headache. If you miss a day or two, a headache will remind you to take it. My kidney numbers have always been fine, and I even take 2 other drugs (Allegra & Wellbutrin). I could take it with or without food. You can take it any time of day. Honestly, the hardest part of taking Lialda was the size of the horse pill. CVS makes a capsule form I just found out! They are much smaller & easier to swallow. I would recommend this drug & I'm sad I have to move to something stronger. It kept me out of the hospital. I pray some day I can go back to mesalamine."

• Anonymous
• November 28, 2010

Pentasa (mesalamine) for Crohn's Disease, Maintenance "Pentasa is the only drug I take and it works great! Never have had any side affects. I was in horrible pain from the cramping until I started taking it over a year ago. I am very pleased with this medicine."

• Beaner
• April 24, 2014

Lialda (mesalamine) for Ulcerative Colitis, Active "I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis 8 years and due to financial situation stopped taking any meds for the past 5 years, but recently went back to my GI and after being reprimanded for my actions was put back on Lialda. It has been about 2 and half months and most of my symptoms have improved though still having soreness/dull ache in my abdomen and urgency for the bathroom more than my GI thinks I should. Colonscopy is scheduled in a few weeks to see what the condition of the colon is in and may have to add another medication. I would advise even if you are feeling fine do not stop taking your meds unless directed by your doctor. I have been told I will need to take meds for the rest of my life."

• Derew
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 11, 2019

For Ulcerative Colitis, Active "I've encountered ulcerative colitis (UC) at the age of 36. I had symptoms of a bad gallbladder "so the docs thought" did the surgery and 12 hrs later BOOM! The same symptoms occurred. Explosive, painful, bloody diarrhea. Then put on antibiotics for c-dif. Again no progress. So far into 4.5 weeks of my life that were by far the worst. Lost 30+ lbs and couldn't leave my bathroom or couch, my family and I thought I had cancer/dying. Finally after 4.5 weeks and 4 doctors, 3 ER visits and surgery, I finally got a colonoscopy. Loe and behold I've got severe UC, the worst case the doc has ever seen. The whole colon and some look like alien si-fi stuff. Well put on Mesalamine and budesonide and within 7 days my stool is normal 7 out of 10 times, 1 to 2 bowel movements each day and so far no major cramps. I'm going on 5 weeks since I started these and no side effects. So goes to show works for some and not for others"

• boora...
• April 19, 2019

Apriso (mesalamine) for Ulcerative Colitis "I'm a 63 yr. old male, had UC for over 5 years before my second colonoscopy showed the inflammation in my lower sigmoid colon. Diagnosed as mild. Although I had no pain, the symptoms were debilitating (fatigue, joint ache, loose bowel motions (bm) all morning, poor sleep, anxiety, depression, nausea, chills and sensitivity to cold with no fever, bleeding internal hemorroids during bm's, etc). My Dr. put me on Apriso, within 3 weeks my symptoms improved, no more fatigue, normal bm's. Been on it for 6 months and would say my quality of life has improved greatly. I have an occasional mild flare once in while but no where near as bad as without the meds. I find my body wakes me up at about 7 am to use the toilet but the bm's are 3-4 on the stool chart vs. 5-6. Remission is different for everyone. There is no set standard to quantify remission."

• cajun...
• December 13, 2008

Asacol (mesalamine) for Lymphocytic Colitis "I have been on Asacol for about 5 years and it has changed my life. I had diarrhea for about 5 years previously and my doctor and 2 specialists couldn't found anything specific to help it. We moved to another state where the gastric specialist did uncover the problem and I was started on 6 Asacol daily (2 tablets, 3 X a day). It took about 2 months, and one day my diarrhea completely vanished. Gone. After about 8 months I began lowering the pills daily, kept on with 4 a day and am now taking 3 Asacol daily for maintenance. For the past 8 years have been swimming 4 X weekly at a wellness center. Couldn't do that with bowel problems. I had a colonscopy in December 2008, 5 days ago, and all is normal. I'm 72 years."

• MAG
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 7, 2019

Lialda (mesalamine) for Ulcerative Colitis "I have been taking Lialdia for 8 weeks. I fought getting started on a prescription as I prefer holistic approaches to healing, but there was way too much stress in my life to be able to focus on that. So I finally attempted a medication and am glad I did. It took about 4 weeks of using it daily. I take 4 tablets in am with food. After 3 to 4 weeks the bathroom frequency went from 6 to 8 visits per day to just in the morning. Since then I have gained 5 pounds so am thrilled about that as well. At first the only side effect was sinus related but that went away after a couple of weeks. The only thing I have since noticed is my hair more easily breaks when washing my hair but thinning hair for now sure beats 6 to 8 bathroom visits. It is still a journey to healing but trying to focus on reducing stress has helped a lot as well. I use a calm app and love it."

• TikiT...
• February 1, 2013

Pentasa (mesalamine) for Crohn's Disease, Maintenance "I've just started pentasa and so far so good I think! I was diagnosed when I was 19 and now I'm 32 was on Asacol for most of that time but my doctor felt it was no longer working the way it needed to! I ended up in the hospital for 2 days due to severe dehydration 2 weeks ago! I had also lost 30lbs in the last 2 months. I have actually been able to eat the last couple of days and I'm not feeling the pain from eating!"

• Lee
• August 27, 2010

Asacol (mesalamine) for Ulcerative Colitis, Maintenance "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 colonoscopy every year just to make sure everything is fine."

• Jay
• March 11, 2016

Lialda (mesalamine) for Ulcerative Colitis, Active "I have been on this medication for the last three weeks and have not noticed any improvement. My symptoms the last 6 days have been at its worse (going to bathroom almost every 2) hours. My doctor told me to keep taking the medication and is putting me on UCERIS. Just took that pill yesterday. Hopefully that pill works cause this disease sucks right, I am so afraid to go out anywhere because I am waiting on when I will have to go to the Bathroom... I'll keep an update of UCERIS is effective"

• Mama
• December 29, 2011

Lialda (mesalamine) for Ulcerative Colitis, Maintenance "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."

• Steve
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 1, 2019

Pentasa (mesalamine) for Ulcerative Colitis "I began taking Pentasa in 1986 when it was still an experimental drug. I have taken over 150,000 250mg capsules! My UC has been in remission for over 25 years now. I still take six 250 mg capsules daily. For me, Pentasa has been a miracle drug, as I wasn't too far from death in the early 1980's. I just wish it was available as a generic. I am now on Medicare, and the prescription part D plans don't pay well. It will cost me hundreds per month."

• gtr
• October 27, 2011

Lialda (mesalamine) for Ulcerative Colitis, Active "My doctor switched me from Asacol (which was working very well) to Lialda and the results were horrible. When I started having bad flare ups my gastroenterologist had no clue what do do. She put me on Remicade over 16 months with no results and I was miserable. When I suggested that perhaps it was the Lialda that was causing the problems she stated that that was "not likely". Well, after about two years of misery and being back on steroids, I switched doctors - a guy who came highly recommended. After a heart to heart consultation with him, he stated he had some patients who did not do well with Lialda and decided to take me off that medication immediately. Within three weeks I was off steroids, back to using Asacol and life is now okay."

• 7year...
• October 22, 2013

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

• JodanA
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 6, 2014

Asacol (mesalamine) for Ulcerative Colitis "Had severe bloody diarrhea for a couple months, went away for two years then came back worse. I was then diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. My Dr started me on 6 pills a day of Asacol. Within two weeks I was having completely normal bowel movements again with no pain. I then began decreasing my dosage (doctors orders) and now I am currently on 2 pills a day of 800g. My life is completely back to normal. The only side effect I have is slight dizziness during more stressful times. I have had a couple minor minor flares. I do miss my dosage once in a while but it never seems to affect me as long as I take my next dose. Would recommend Asacol in a heart beat!"

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

Lialda (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."

• Col
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 19, 2023

Salofalk (mesalamine) for Ulcerative Proctitis "I was diagnosed recently and started on Pentasa enema (night) and Salofalk suppositories (day) but found the Pentasa made little or no difference and I found it difficult to sleep. My nurse changed to Salofalk rectal foam and tonight is my first time using it. I followed the instructions but inserted both doses but then was unable to hold it in for longer than 20 minutes. This site and the reviews have been a pleasure to read :) especially the review which included information about side effects, including jaw pain. I was thinking 'now something else is wrong with me' but didn't want to tell the GP as I wondered if it's psychosomatic, so it was a relief to read that I'm not alone. I really wrote this to say thank you to everyone for sharing their personal experiences. I have found this diagnosis to be somewhat isolating and sometimes I feel I should be embarrassed to speak about my symptoms, so thank you all and I pray for us all to be well x"

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

Lialda (mesalamine) for Ulcerative Colitis, Active "I take Lialda 3.6g 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."

• Anonymous
• June 1, 2014

Lialda (mesalamine) for Ulcerative Colitis, Active "Lialda is not for everyone. Talk to your doctor about other options because they're out there! I was prescribed to take Lialda 3xs daily. A couple hours after my third dose I developed the following reaction: fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, rash/hives on my throat and neck. My doctor wanted me to continue talking Lialda but lessen the dose. I did as told, and was bedridden from the side effects. I then found GI Dr and was prescribed Asacol and medicated enemas. No reactions yet! I wonder why Lialda made me sick but I am fine with Asacol?"

• Sal
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 25, 2020

Rowasa (mesalamine) for Ulcerative Colitis, Active "I've had ulcerative colitis for nearly 15 years. I'm on quite a few meds for it and have to do intermittent steroid rounds due to active flares. I've had a few flares this year that have been challenging to get under control... with the usual frequency/urgency, blood in stool, pain/discomfort. I have used canasa suppositories in the past with little improvement. It had been years since I'd used Rowasa - but my doc suggested we try them again ... I couldn't be more thankful. Within days, my pain/discomfort/frequency have already been reduced, with an almost immediate decrease in pain/discomfort. ONE THING TO NOTE: before administering this med, make sure to gently shake the bottle THEN SQUEEZE UNTIL THE AIR IS OUT OF THE BOTTLE. Otherwise it can cause additional gas/pain."

• Anonymous
• December 26, 2011

Pentasa (mesalamine) for Crohn's Disease, Maintenance "I'm a 25 year old female. I was diagnosed with Crohn's in August 2011. I had a bowel resection at the end of September due to the severity of my illness. I've been taking Pentasa for about 3 months now and feel good, but my hair has been falling out like crazy. I read a normal person loses 50-100 strands a day, I'm losing probably triple that. It's really depressing, I'm switching to another medicine to see if that helps with the hair loss. Other than that I haven't had any side affects. Good luck!"