User Reviews for Mesalamine (Lialda, Pentasa, and others)

I have ulcerative colitis. Over 40 years ago I had my large intestine removed, and my small intestine was made into a J pouch, which was then reattached. I have had pretty much constant diarrhea ever since. The only thing that seems to work for a given time is Pentasa. I’m not sure exactly why, but for some reason, it is only given by my doctor when you have a C-diff infection.

Prior to taking Pentasa(or it's generic form) I was in the E.R. regularly and in the hospital for extended stays on two occasions. Since being put on Pentasa, I have not had an episode or any sudden pain in 4 years. Unfortunately, my insurance no longer covers this medication.

This medication did help however, anything that contains aspartame in my opinion is not worth it. I believe this medication caused my A1C to to rise to pre-diabetic range. I will not take any medication which there is a negative side effect causing me more issues.

Effect shown in 1 month of usage.

Not effective at all, my symptoms are worst than before. Not recommended at all.

My son has SEVERE Ulcerative Pan Colitis. He is doing much better, has gained the weight he lost, and has been feeling better. I am happy this has helped him so much just worried about him with long-term use. The pills are big, but thankfully he can swallow them. This medicine is way better than the liquid he was taking.

I had mild to moderate Left Sided Colitis as per Sigmoidoscopy.. then Doctor prescriped only Mesacol 1g granules twice a day (as i am afraid of swallowing the big tablet, he gave the granules form instead).. after 6 months of use, he reduced it to 1g once a day.. again after another 6 months of use.. Doctor told he wanted to stop the medicine, but for him to stop it, he needs to verify in Colonoscopy.. So i had Colonoscopy.. it showed my colon healed completely.. only very mild inflammation (wit... hout any ulcers) was remaining in rectum alone.. Doctor told, i can stop Mesacol granules and take Mesacol 1g suppository once a night.. he told the mild inflammation also might have been because of me straining while passing stools.. so he told after a month, i can use supoository for some more time and slowly i can stop it also.. so i took suppository for 1 month and slowly i started leaving it for 2-4 days in between.. after around 3 months like this, today i got some signs of flare up.. 2 times diarrhea, and sensitivity in left side of stomach.. i am not sure if it is because of UC flare up or maybe something like indigestion Read More Read Less

So I’ll start by saying yes it has helped with my ulcerative colitis! However I have had some pretty severe side effects! Nausea, severe fatigue. Stiff joints, stomach pains and I mean like having to take a narcotic to stop them! Also SEVERE joint pain!! My whole right leg my hip knee and ankle have been inflamed and swollen since I started it. I stopped for a few days to make sure it’s my meds and sure is.. felt so much relief in my leg after I quit but my stomach symptoms came right back so no... w I am taking it again but ughhh these side effect?? Read More Read Less

I was hospitalized for UC and on my dismissal the doctor prescribed Mesalamine for maintenance. After 3 weeks my hair began falling out, my neck became very stiff and painful, my throat became red with white spots, large sores appeared around my mouth and inside my nose, small puffy spots appeared on the top of my hands and my left ankle became swollen. I stopped taking the medication when the sores appeared.

Changed my life. Had a year of extreme discomfort and issues due to ulceration and now with daily use of this suppository I have no issues anymore. It has also caused me so side effects at all. This is a godsend.

I started bleeding in 2020 about a year after a wellness exam colonoscopy . I went back to Gastro doctor and he said most likely because of 3 internal hemorroids that he saw during colonoscopy. He signed me up to remove them 1 at a time using the banding procedure. Because of Covid it took the better part of 2021. Bleeding got worse as well as gas, urgency and on average 7 bathroom visits a day. I went to a new doctor who did another colonoscopy "Jan. 2oth 2022 and i was diagnosed with moderate/... severe left sided UC. I was prescribed 4.2 grms. Lialda " 4 pills a day". I have only been on meds since beginning of Febuary 2022. Wow , I feel that i got my life back. All symptoms are gone. I am down to 2 bm's a day. Thank You Jesus! Thank You UCLA. Read More Read Less

Diagnosed with UC after colonoscopy, having presented with severe acute rectal bleeding for one day, no abdominal pain. Have had only one mild flare 8 months after start of medication probably because I failed in adhering to the prescribed dosage. Was advices to maintain the dosage and strictly adhere. Havenâ??t had any issue since the mild flare (5 months now) and my BM is normal.

I am currently 29 years old and one month before my 29th bday this year I was diagnosed with Crohns/Colitis disease, I was on apriso and that was a miracle worker for sure this current week the drs placed me on Lialda and honestly in my case seems to not be working because I have been in a flare since the second day of taking it. May work for some and just not for others have a feeling I’m that odd ball that it just does not work for.

It has helped with my symptoms just but I have been experiencing joint pain starting in my knees and ankles which was difficult as I am a hiker. That pain went away after a month but I am now experienced wrist and had joint pain.

I have been taking this expensive $$$.$$ for a week and nothing yet. Still have symptoms.

This medication made my life livable again. It even helped my bleeding ulcer to not act up and cause me to require blood transfusions. Unfortunately for me when you don't have 500.00 every 12o days and you aren't eligible for Medicaid, you revert right back into remission and the pain is excruciating. I wish there was an affordable Lialda!

Very good experience. No side effects and I am in remission

This med has made diarrhea worse gave it one month told doctor so he added another with called budesonide total diarrhea every half hour. I stopped today everything, trying crackers pedilight & anti-diarrhea, my fingers are crossed. I gave one piece of toast...I'm praying, if not we are going to ER

Been ordering my medicine from Universal Drugs in Canada. Excellent service and prices so much cheaper then here for Pentasa 500mg. The drugs are shipped from the United Kingdom or Turkey. US customs gave me problems at first but none now have several orders. Doctor here fax the prescription to Canada.

Using this drug for the past 6-7 years, only one flare up because I decided to reduce the dosage, down side?....$372 per month, with insurance (high deductible) with the $100 coupon from manufacturer discounted.