Mesalamine for Ulcerative Colitis, Active User Reviews (Page 2)

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

Rowasa (mesalamine) "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
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 27, 2016

Lialda (mesalamine) "This medicine has little to no effect on my Ulcerative Colitis. I was diagnosed with in in early Aug of this year, I was prescribed Lialda because my case wasn't "too severe." I have seen no improvement from this medicine, and I would say my symptoms/flare ups have become worse and more frequent. Apparently this medicine works for some people, not me. I haven't noticed any of the side effects from Lialda, but it definitely isn't doing what it is supposed to."

• Anony...
• April 7, 2017

Lialda (mesalamine) "I was diagnosed with moderate to severe universal colitis on 3/27. I was prescribed lialda and take 4 pills a day as well as 1 uceris. I am not exaggerating when I say the relief was almost instant! Within 3 days I went from urgently using the bathroom 5 - 6 times a day with unbearable abdominal cramps to using the bathroom once a day with no cramps! Only side effects I have noticed so far is slight headaches, occasional trouble sleeping and more frequent urination which I will take over my colitis symptoms any day :) Lialda seriously has changed my life in the short 2 weeks I've been taking it ——————————————————— 19 years old Moderate to severe universal colitis Flare started: May 2016 Diagnosed: March 2017 Remission: April 2017"

• GAGator
• December 1, 2012

Lialda (mesalamine) "I have been taking Lialda for9 months now for my microscopic colitis and it is working! I take 3 pills a day with zero side effects. I only have flare ups if I eat something on my no-no list. My doctor told me I could come off the medication if I want to as it is the type that will cause remission but I am to afraid to go back to the pain of my colitis so I decided to remain taking it. The only problem with this medication is that it is very expensive."

• Ilee
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 31, 2018

Lialda (mesalamine) "I have been on this drug for twenty days. I took myself off it because I've experienced severe joint and muscle pain. I also have rashes all over including my head. I have lost 11 pounds, which would be nice except it is not fat, it is muscle mass. This drug need more study! I sincerely hope no one else has to suffer as I have. I have been off it for 9 days now, and things have not improved. I hope this is not sometime I have to live with, but it appears it might be."

• Cassidy
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 5, 2020

"I’m on mesalamine for colitis just wanted to mention the company that makes it will help with the cost I called them directly sent in an application for patient assist I now get it at no cost I work they have different income levels if you are over a certain amount but under a certain amount you pay $50 a month"

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

"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 specialist and stopped it all 7 days ago and put on a course of steroids until I go back for my 2 scope in three weeks and third in 10 months. Symptoms have subsided but still experiencing severe tummy pains, extremes 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. Its made my life awful for the last 2 months. :("

• Babs
• June 8, 2014

Lialda (mesalamine) "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 and 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 woke up with severe headache and mild diarrhea. I decided that I would take 2 Lialda's with breakfast. I started feeling a little better. It is now night 3 and I just took 2 Lialda's 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."

• tpkea...
• June 9, 2015

Lialda (mesalamine) "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 blow 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 ans 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 Gasto Clinic in Co"

• Merca...
• July 28, 2019

"45 yr female finally diagnosed with UC after months of misdiagnosis told bout of gastroenteritis put on cipro, flagyl, etc. White blood cell count of 24,000 before hospitalized and still misdiagnosed. Had to yes beg for colonoscopy to get correct Dx. Took 50 mg prednisone step down ended 5 weeks ago only on mesalamine now 4 pills 1 x per day. No blood, but still loose/wet small stool "baby snakes", never a clean wipe, severe headaches all day, fatigue, flu symptoms, sore throat, eye inflammation, muscle pain and unbearable teeth pain/pressure. Need blood labs to check kidney and a follow up with GI. May drop to 3 pills see if help with awful side effects especially the crushing headaches the worst as only can take tylenol does nothing. Not sure side effects worth it hope reduced mg helps. PS taking tumeric & slippery elm at night still never solid stool. Always carry wipes but only going 1- 2 X per day so have to pick symptoms tolerate. Don't want to be put on biologics humira or stelara willing to try lower dose first."

• Conce...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 15, 2018

"Almost 54 Y/O female, recently had initial recommended colonoscopy. Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and prescribed 1.2 gm tablets of Mesalamine. My colitis problem was hardly noticable to me until beginning this medication. I only had slight change in morning BM routine. Now... I'm nauseous, have terrible stomach cramping and pain. As well as diminished appetite. That part not awful since I'd welcome a healthful 15 lb weight loss. I've only been on this medication for 6 days but I'm very concerned about the cramping and stomach pain. If it persists another day or two, I'll be contacting my GI Dr rather than wait for my 5 week follow up. The cost of this medicine for a 30 day supply would be almost $600.00 if I didn't have RX coverage. Still, $127.70 a month is steep."

• Anonymous
• April 2, 2008

Canasa (mesalamine) "This is a 5-ASA suppository. Helpful in gaining control of a mild UC flare. No side effects. Fairly easy to "hold in" compared to Rowasa, but doesn't spread as far, pretty much only the rectum. A little lube helps, I also knock off the rough edges on the blunt end."

• Anonymous
• April 2, 2008

Asacol (mesalamine) "I've been on Asacol for years - 12 tabs /day. No side effects, easy to take, but sometimes during flares it fails to release. Release is pH dependent (as are some competing drugs), in my case I think that's the problem. This problem is not well publicized, so doctors aren't aware of it."

• Bloated
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 25, 2015

Lialda (mesalamine) "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 30lbs and when I am on 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. Dont enjoy the symptoms, but I do appreciate that it does work!"

• speck
• May 19, 2011

Asacol HD (mesalamine) "I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2008 treating it with Canasa and Protofoam. It reoccurred in 2010 which had to be treated aggressively with prednisone, Asacol HD, proctofoam and Canasa. I did not continue taking the Asacol HD because of the price. My ulcerative colitis reoccurred again in 2011. Currently, I am taking prednisone plus 3 Asacol HD a day and am very satisfied with the medicine. No side effects for me. Once the prednisone is finished it's Asacol HD forever to prevent flare-ups/maintenance. Great medicine."

• Luebby
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 17, 2017

Asacol (mesalamine) "I was put on Asacol to start when first diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. I was on it for at least three or four months, and things didn't seem to be getting better. It was only when--on vacation--I forgot to take it for a few days and realized that I immediately felt much better. For me, Asacol caused symptoms that were nearly identical to a flare up of ulcerative colitis."

• Anonymous
• September 29, 2011

Pentasa (mesalamine) "I took Pentasa for ulcerative colitis after Asacol started failing. Asacol had worked for me for seven years, but when P&G started having manufacturers making it in Europe, it no longer worked. The Pentasa worked for my ulcerative colitis at 3 grams per day dosage. The side effects are much worse for Pentasa. I experienced nausea, mild headaches and severe hair loss. "

• Anonymous
• November 30, 2008

Lialda (mesalamine) "After one year of fairly significant ulcerative colitis symptoms, I began taking Lialda. It began working almost immediately. Within a week I started feeling like my old self again. The only changes I've noticed (unsure if they are side effects or new problems??) are tingling in my legs (like restless leg syndrome), sinus issues, sore throat and trouble falling asleep. "

• Young...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 17, 2015

Rowasa (mesalamine) "This is my third flare after being diagnosed with UC almost 5 years ago, so I consider myself lucky. I take oral mesalamine, which is becoming less effective against flare ups. My GI prescribed Rowasa, much to my dismay. It took 4 nights before I got the hang of administering the medication. Retaining it night 1 was almost unbearable. Night 2 was easier, but no less unpleasant. It helps to lay on your left side for 20+ minutes. I haven't had an issue with leakage or side effects, other than the urge to have a bowel movement and really loud gurgling in my lower colon. Faint nausea that passed in less than a minute. But the benefits far outweigh everything - my flare up has diminished so much in the last 5 days!"

• MS wo...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 9, 2013

Lialda (mesalamine) "My daughter takes Lialda for sever Ulcerative Colitis, if the cost is a problem talk with your doctor for a discount card through the company when added to your insurance it only cost about $10 with my insurance only its $40 if no insurance I believe its about $40 a month not sure, doesn't hurt to check out. The card is good for a year and you have to call to renew it at no cost. She started taking 4 pills a day and last summer her doctor dropped her down to 1. Since then over a period of 5 months its back with a vengeance severe bleeding and pain."

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

Pentasa (mesalamine) "I've been taking Pentasa tablets for about 3 weeks- I take two 500mg 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."

• Packer...
• March 29, 2008

Lialda (mesalamine) "I've taken Lialda for about a month for my UC using doctor samples. It has reduced my flare ups, although it does take a while and does not work over night, it seems to be working for me. I want to continue taking Lialda and have a perscription from my doctor but can't seem to find a pharmacy that carries it. My overall rating of Lialda is high because it was working, atleast for me. I would suggest finding out if you can get LIalda in your area before consideration."

• Oflair
• March 25, 2016

Lialda (mesalamine) "I have been on lialda for almost a month and take 1200 mg twice a day. Has helped but my hair is falling out and I hope it stops soon. I also can't sleep. I am awake until 3AM and then will doze for about 45 minutes. I like the medication but not sleeping is a real pain."

• txladi
• September 4, 2010

Lialda (mesalamine) "I have very mild left-sided ulcerative colitis, diagnosed in 1998. I have been taking Lialda for a little over 2 years. I was really bad about taking my previous medicines due to the high number of pills and frequency that I had to take them. I've found the Lialda works TOO well for me. I cannot take the 2 pills 1 x daily. With my doctor blessing, I take 1 pill ever 3 days, and my ulcerative colitis stays under control with no side effects that others have spoken of (and this is from a migraine and seasonal allergy patient.) This medicine is the BEST."

• Anonymous
• September 13, 2011

Canasa (mesalamine) "Colon pain and bleeding occurred while I was out of country. Doctor thought condition would improve on its own. Condition persisted for three weeks until Canasa prescribed. Two to three days after administering medication, symptoms disappeared. It is such a relief to no longer have the stress that occurs with illness. I am pleased that my physician recommended this of action, and wished I'd had this intervention sooner."