Indications
- Lialda is prescribed to treat inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as ulcerative colitis.
- It helps reduce inflammation in the colon and alleviate symptoms such as diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and abdominal pain.
- Lialda is specifically indicated for the induction of remission in patients with active, mild to moderate ulcerative colitis.
- It is also used for the maintenance of remission of ulcerative colitis to prevent flare-ups and keep the disease under control.
- Your doctor may prescribe Lialda as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for managing ulcerative colitis.
- It’s important to take Lialda exactly as prescribed by your doctor and to follow any additional instructions regarding diet or lifestyle modifications.
Dosage and administration
- The usual dosage of Lialda for inducing remission in adults with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis is two to four 1.2 g tablets once daily with a meal.
- For maintenance of remission, the recommended dosage is two 1.2 g tablets once daily with a meal.
- Swallow the Lialda tablets whole with water; do not crush, break, or chew them.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully regarding the dosage and duration of treatment with Lialda.
- If you miss a dose of Lialda, take it as soon as you remember, but do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed one.
- Contact your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about your dosage or the administration of Lialda.
Side effects
- Common side effects of Lialda may include headache, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and gas.
- Some people may experience worsening of ulcerative colitis symptoms, such as bloody stools or increased frequency of bowel movements, when starting Lialda.
- Serious side effects are rare but can occur. These may include severe allergic reactions, liver problems, pancreatitis, or kidney problems.
- Contact your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, persistent nausea or vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or rash with fever.
- Inform your doctor of any new or unusual symptoms while taking Lialda, as they may indicate a potential side effect that requires medical attention.
Precautions
- Before taking Lialda, inform your doctor if you have any allergies, especially to medications containing mesalamine or sulfasalazine.
- Tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or a history of pancreatitis.
- Inform your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, as they may interact with Lialda.
- Lialda may increase the risk of kidney problems, so it’s important to stay well-hydrated while taking this medication and to have regular kidney function tests as recommended by your doctor.
- Avoid taking Lialda if you are allergic to salicylates (aspirin) or if you have a known hypersensitivity to mesalamine.
- If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss the risks and benefits of taking Lialda with your doctor. It’s important to weigh the potential risks to the fetus against the benefits of treating your condition.
- Lialda may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding while taking Lialda.
- Do not crush, chew, or break Lialda tablets, as this may increase the risk of side effects or decrease the effectiveness of the medication.
- Keep Lialda out of reach of children and store it at room temperature away from moisture and heat.