Lialda and Diarrhea: What Users Say

• 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."

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

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."

• 7ye...
• October 22, 2013

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

• Pea...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 3, 2020

For Ulcerative Colitis "I’ve been taking Lialda for 6 years. I started on a very high dose but have reduced it over the years. I do believe it gives me gas, stomach aches, and I often have soft stools and mild cramping. I spoke to my doctor about it, and he agrees it is probably the Lialda, but I didn’t want to switch in fear a new drug would not be as effective. I can deal with the side effects I have, but I definitely don’t want another flare-up. With that said, it works for me, but with annoying side effects. Also, the price is ridiculous! For a while, I could use coupons, but they aren’t available since a generic was introduced. Thank goodness I have insurance, but it’s still high."

• Bab...
• June 8, 2014

For Ulcerative Colitis, Active "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, 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, I woke up with a severe headache and mild diarrhea. I decided that I would take 2 Lialdas with breakfast. I started feeling a little better. It is now night 3, and I just took 2 Lialdas 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."

• Bab...
• June 8, 2014

For Ulcerative Colitis, Active "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, 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, I woke up with a severe headache and mild diarrhea. I decided that I would take 2 Lialdas with breakfast. I started feeling a little better. It is now night 3, and I just took 2 Lialdas 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."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 19, 2013

For Ulcerative Colitis "After 8 weeks on Lialda, it did not clear up the blood, still had abdomen tenderness, and caused me to have diarrhea. I did get a discount card, which brought the cost down to $10. If you like this medicine, you should go to their website and see if you can get this card. I got it from my MD."

• Anonymous
• August 28, 2022

For Ulcerative Colitis "This caused gas, bloating, cramps, and slight nausea. I have no idea why this med didn't work. I figured at 76 years old, who needed the extra pain and agony? Oh, I also had diarrhea, that was not good either. It never stopped."

• Bel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 4, 2019

For Ulcerative Colitis, Active "Taking Lialda, 2 pills twice a day, lots of bloating, diarrhea, losing hair... time to call Dr. Been on this med for almost a year... now that he upped it, feel it got worse."