Lialda vs. Apriso for Ulcerative Colitis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

Mesalamine DR (Lialda) and mesalamine DR (Apriso, Asacol HD, Delzicol, Pentasa) both contain mesalamine and are used for ulcerative colitis (UC). They help reduce inflammation in the gut, but they have some important differences. Mesalamine DR (Lialda) is specifically a delayed-release tablet taken once daily with food, while mesalamine DR (Apriso) comes in various forms, such as delayed-release tablets and extended-release capsules, with different dosing schedules. Lialda is approved for both adults and children, whereas most other mesalamine DR brands are for adults. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic. Possible side effects include headache, stomach upset, and sun sensitivity. Both medications can interact with NSAIDs, increasing the risk of kidney problems, but Apriso should not be taken with antacids.

Mesalamine DR

(Lialda)

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Mesalamine

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Summary for Lialda

Prescription only

Mesalamine DR (Lialda) is an aminosalicylate that's used to treat mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis (UC) in adults and children. It's a delayed-release (DR) tablet that's taken by mouth once daily with food. Side effects aren't common but can include headache and stomach upset. Mesalamine DR (Lialda) also has a risk for serious skin rash and sensitivity to the sun (e.g., might sunburn more easily).

Indications for Lialda

Mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis (UC) in adults and children weighing at least 53 lbs

Pros and Cons for Lialda

Pros

Taken by mouth once daily
Available as a generic

Cons

Need to take with food
Only available as an extended-release tablet that can't be crushed, broken, or chewed

Common Side Effects for Lialda

Headache (3%)
Stomach pain (2%)
Diarrhea (2%)
Abnormal liver enzyme levels (2%)

Warnings for Lialda

Kidney damage and kidney stones
Acute intolerance syndrome
Severe allergic reactions
Severe skin reactions
Liver problems
Caution in people with gut blockage
Skin that's sensitive to sun and light

Summary for Apriso

Prescription only

Mesalamine is used to help with an inflammatory bowel disease called ulcerative colitis (UC). It helps relieve symptoms of mild or moderate UC, such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and gut inflammation. This medication can also be used to maintain remission (prevent UC flare-ups) in adults. There are many brand names for mesalamine on the market, and they all have lower-cost generics available. The dosage depends on the brand and formulation of mesalamine you have. In general, this medication can cause side effects like headache and indigestion.

Indications for Apriso

Ulcerative colitis (UC)

Pros and Cons for Apriso

Pros

Easy to take since it's a pill that's swallowed
Generally mild side effects
A first-choice option for preventing flare-ups in adults with mild UC
Lower-cost generics available

Cons

Typically need to take a few pills for each dose
Can take a few weeks before you start to feel the effects
Might cause kidney stones and make your skin more sensitive to the sun
Might not be the best option for people with liver problems

Common Side Effects for Apriso

Headache
Stomach pain
Nausea
Diarrhea
Indigestion

Warnings for Apriso

Kidney problems, including kidney stones
Abnormal reaction to mesalamine
Liver problems
Allergic reactions and severe skin reactions
Iron content in certain tablets and capsules of mesalamine
Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (for Apriso extended-release capsules only)