mesalamine DR

• Risk factors: Kidney problems | Taking other medications that can cause kidney problems

Mesalamine DR (Lialda) can sometimes damage your kidneys. Your risk for kidney damage is higher if you already have kidney problems or if you take medications that can harm the kidneys, like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and diuretics (water pills). You might need blood work or urine tests done every so often during treatment so your prescriber can check your kidney function. Tell your care team if you have any signs or symptoms of kidney problems, including changes in your need to urinate, tiredness, low appetite, and muscle cramps.

Some people who take mesalamine DR (Lialda) can also get kidney stones. Make sure to stay hydrated each day while you're taking this medication to prevent kidney stones. Let your prescriber know if you have trouble urinating, notice a change in how much you urinate, have blood in the urine, or feel back or side pain. These can be signs of a kidney stone.

Although rare, some people who take mesalamine DR (Lialda) can have a reaction to the medication called acute intolerance syndrome. If it does happen, it typically occurs 1 to 3 weeks after starting mesalamine DR (Lialda). And it usually goes away within a few days after stopping the medication or after starting corticosteroid treatment.

Symptoms of acute intolerance syndrome can be hard to tell apart from a flareup of UC. Let your care team know if you have symptoms like stomach cramping or pain, bloody diarrhea, fever, headache, and rash. You might need to stop treatment with mesalamine DR (Lialda) to help these symptoms go away.

Severe allergic reactions to mesalamine DR (Lialda) are possible, including life-threatening reactions like facial swelling, shock, and anaphylaxis (e.g., closing of the throat). Get emergency medical help right away if you notice hives, rash, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after you take mesalamine DR (Lialda).

Mesalamine DR (Lialda) can cause rare but serious skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome. Stop taking mesalamine DR (Lialda) and get medical attention right away if you notice unusual changes in your skin, like rash, blisters, peeling skin, or skin reddening. These skin reactions can sometimes come along with fever, sore throat, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes, so watch out for these symptoms as well.

• Risk factors: History of liver problems

Although rare, some people with liver problems had liver failure when they took mesalamine DR (Lialda). Let your prescriber know if you have a history of liver problems before you start taking this medication so they can weigh the risks and benefits of treatment. Get medical help as soon as possible if you notice severe nausea, vomiting, right-sided stomach pain, fatigue, low or no appetite, or yellowing of the skin or eyes while you're taking mesalamine DR (Lialda). These can be signs of liver damage.

People who have or are at risk of a bowel obstruction should avoid taking mesalamine DR (Lialda). Gut blockages can prevent the medication from reaching your colon to work. Let your prescriber know right away if you notice symptoms of a bowel obstruction, such as severe stomach cramping or pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or a hard or swollen belly.

• Risk factors: Skin problems (e.g., eczema)

People with skin problems like eczema who take mesalamine DR (Lialda) are at higher risk of having skin that's more sensitive to the sun or ultraviolet (UV) light. This means that they can get sunburns more easily than usual, even during the winter and on overcast days.

To lower your risk for sunburn, make sure to wear sunscreen and wear long-sleeved clothing to protect your skin when you're outside. Also avoid being exposed to the sun for too long (find shade if possible) and avoid too much exposure to UV light (e.g., tanning beds).