Lialda and Acne: What Users Say

• Kee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 20, 2015

For Ulcerative Colitis, Active "I have fairly severe ulcerative colitis, and after 4 months of feeling horrible, tired, bloody diarrhea with the constant urge to go and fear of eating and setting it off again, I was finally diagnosed and put on Lialda - 4 pills once a day. At first, it caused horrible gas and bloating and took about a week or so to help the symptoms at all, but after a few weeks, the symptoms were completely gone and the side effects went away as my body got used to the medication. Then, about 1 month into taking it, I developed horrible cystic acne all over my face, neck, chest, even in my nostrils and ears! My doctor cut the dose in half to 2 pills once a day and within a few days, my skin started to clear and heal. I have been on the lower dose for about a month with no problems!!"

• Ano...
• June 25, 2015

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."

• Blo...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 25, 2015

For Ulcerative Colitis, Active "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 30 lbs, and when I am on the 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. Don't enjoy the symptoms, but I do appreciate that it does work!"

• cha...
• November 14, 2010

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."

• Bob...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 23, 2020

For Ulcerative Colitis "I have UC and have switched from Apriso to Lialda this year because of the price, been using it for 7 weeks now and have muscle fatigue and acne. It does seem to be starting to work, having fewer trips to the bathroom than when I switched. Every time I eat even a handful of chips, I have an urge to poop. Hope that goes away. Do plan on going back on Apriso next year after building up HSA funds back up."

• AGi...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 26, 2017

For Ulcerative Colitis, Active "I've been on Lialda since diagnosis nearly 10 years ago. I started with 2x a day and progressed to 4x a day about 4 years ago. A month ago, I had a bad flare and am now on 6x a day for a couple days + casana (sp?). Which is essentially the same drug, only in suppository. It's already working to clear up my flare, but I'm experiencing acne and jumbled thoughts. Can't wait to drop the suppository once this is under control, hopefully in 1-2 weeks. I don't know how 'Iowa' cured themselves with diet -- I tried that, and Lialda seriously changed my life."

• gri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 12, 2016

For Ulcerative Colitis "Took Lialda and was fine for 3 months. No bleeding and had normal stool. Then suddenly I had a skin rash and acne."