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Buy Lialda or Generic Mesalamine Delayed Release Online

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GENERIC ALTERNATIVE LISTING - Mesalamine Delayed Release
Dosage Pack Size & Price Qty
1200mg
BRAND LISTING - Lialda (Mesalamine Delayed Release)
Dosage Pack Size & Price Qty
1200mg
Product description medically reviewed by Dr. Ami Patel, PharmD (Apr 16, 2020)

What is Lialda or generic Mesalamine Delayed Release?

Lialda or generic Mesalamine is an oral prescription medication prescribed to people with ulcerative colitis (UC). Its purpose is to help induce remission in mild-to-moderate UC and to maintain remission of the same condition. The active ingredient in Lialda is mesalamine in a delayed-release form, meaning it's only necessary to take the medication once per day.

How does Lialda work? Researchers are still studying exactly how mesalamine improves UC symptoms. So far, they know mesalamine belongs to a class of drugs called aminosalicylates, or 5-ASAs. They believe it reduces inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, particularly in the large intestines and colon. It's possible that mesalamine could block the activity of two enzymes (cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase) that produce prostaglandins. Prostaglandins, which are overactive in people with UC, cause inflammation in the colon.

By limiting the activity of the enzymes that produce prostaglandins, mesalamine may help reduce prostaglandins—and lower inflammation in the GI tract as a result. This can help minimize the symptoms of UC.

Drugs similar to Lialda or generic Mesalamine Delayed Release:

Conditions treated by Lialda or generic Mesalamine Delayed Release

Doctors generally prescribe Lialda or a Lialda generic to patients with ulcerative colitis.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease that causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and may cause ulcers on the inner lining of the large intestine. It belongs to a class of diseases that fall under the umbrella of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Other forms of inflammatory bowel include Crohn's disease and microscopic colitis.

Some of the most common symptoms of UC include abdominal discomfort, diarrhea with blood or pus, the urgent need to have a bowel movement, fatigue, nausea or appetite loss, weight loss, fever, and anemia. These symptoms can interfere with a patient's quality of life, which is why many people with UC are inclined to seek treatment.

What to know before using Lialda or generic Mesalamine Delayed Release

Prior to using Lialda or Mesalamine generic, keep the following in mind.

  • Physician

    Tell your doctor about any medications you take, as Lialda can interact with many other medications. Also be sure to tell your doctor if you have other medical conditions, if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding.

  • Alcohol

    Do not take Lialda and drink alcohol simultaneously since alcohol can irritate the stomach and intestines. At a minimum, aim to limit drinking while using this medication.

  • Grapefruit

    Avoid eating or drinking grapefruit products while taking Lialda medication, because grapefruit slows down the body's ability to process mesalamine. This can cause dangerously high levels of mesalamine in the blood.

  • Prescription

    Take Lialda exactly as directed. Do not break, crush, chew, or split the tablets. Take Lialda with food and a full glass of water.

  • Telephone

    Even if your symptoms have improved, do not stop taking Lialda without consulting your doctor.

  • Pill organizer

    If you miss a dose and it's not close to the time of your next scheduled dose, take the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. If you miss a dose and it is near the time of your next dose, take the next scheduled dose and then resume your regular schedule. Do not double up on doses. If you think you have taken too much of this medication, contact your doctor or a poison control center immediately.

  • Pet and child

    Store Lialda at room temperature and away from children and pets. If you need to dispose of excess medication, do not throw it away or flush it down the drain. Consult your pharmacist for proper disposal instructions.

Possible side effects of Lialda or generic Mesalamine Delayed Release

Potential Lialda side effects or Mesalamine side effects include:

  • Acne
    Acne
  • Back pain
    Back pain
  • Ear pain
    Ear pain
  • Fatigue
    Fatigue
  • Hair loss
    Hair loss
  • Headache
    Headache
  • Lowered sperm count in men
    Lowered sperm count in men
  • Skin reactions
    Skin reactions
  • Itching
    Itching
  • Pancreatitis
    Pancreatitis
  • Tremors
    Tremors
  • Flatulence
    Flatulence

More serious side effects may include:

  • Acute intolerance syndrome, which resembles a flair of inflammatory bowel disease (which could include abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, and fever)
  • Allergic reactions
  • Blood disorders
  • Increased heart rate
  • Kidney dysfunction
  • Liver issues
  • Pancreatitis

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you experience these or other side effects, contact your doctor immediately.

Lialda or generic Mesalamine Delayed Release FAQs

What is the proper dosage of Lialda or generic Mesalamine?

The right Lialda dosage or Mesalamine dosage depends on the patient and condition being treated. As a general rule, the recommended dose is 2.4 g taken once per day. The maximum recommended dosage is 4.8 g per day. The dosage may be higher for patients trying to induce remission compared to patients trying to maintain remission.

What's the difference between Lialda and Mesalamine generics?

Mesalamine is available in several brand-name and generic forms. Lialda uses a delayed release form of mesalamine. Both Lialda and Mesalamine generics contain the same active ingredient—mesalamine—which helps reduce inflammation in the GI tract and may control symptoms of UC. As a general rule, brand-name Lialda costs more than generic medications. If you're not sure whether a brand-name or generic medication is right for you, consult your doctor.

The information provided on the NorthWestPharmacy.com website is intended to facilitate awareness about healthcare products and medical conditions generally but it is not a substitute for professional medical attention or advice. You should always speak with a qualified healthcare practitioner before taking any prescription or non-prescription drug.