Skip to main content
Mesalamine DR Coupon - Mesalamine DR 1.2g tablet

mesalamine DR

Generic Lialda
Used for Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's Disease
Used for Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's Disease

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).

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on August 15, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Mesalamine DR (Lialda)?

What is Mesalamine DR (Lialda) used for?

How Mesalamine DR (Lialda) works

Mesalamine DR (Lialda) is an aminosalicylate. The exact way the medication works isn't well understood. But it's thought to stop certain proteins and chemicals in the gut that typically cause inflammation from turning on. This might lessen inflammation in the gut.

Are you looking for information on mesalamine delayed-release (Apriso, Asacol HD, Delzicol, Pentasa), mesalamine suppository (Canasa), or mesalamine enema (Rowasa) instead?
When does Mesalamine DR (Lialda) start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsLialda
Drug Class Aminosalicylate
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only

More on Mesalamine DR (Lialda) essentials

Health: Mesalamine: person holding pills water 1269886464

Asacol HD, Lialda, and Delzicol for Ulcerative Colitis: What’s the Difference?

Written by Brian Leonard, PharmD, BCACP, BCGP
coupon-save-icon

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price
$323.950
GoodRx discount
$323.95
See prices
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Mesalamine DR (Lialda)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Other Side Effects

  • Stomach bloating
  • Indigestion
  • Back pain
  • Joint pain
  • Fatigue
  • High blood pressure
  • Rash
  • Itching
  • Hair loss
Note: Side effects listed were reported by adults who took 2.4 grams of mesalamine DR (Lialda) per day for maintenance of remission. Side effects might differ depending on dosage and age.

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Kidney damage: urinating less often than usual; dry and itchy skin; muscle cramps; swelling in your feet, ankles, or hands
  • Kidney stone: trouble urinating, bloody urine, fever, chills, back or side pain
  • Liver problems: stomach bloating, right-sided stomach pain, yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, dark urine
  • Serious allergic reactions: hives, swelling of the lips or tongue, trouble breathing
  • Serious skin reactions: hives, blisters, peeling skin, skin reddening, fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Bloody diarrhea

rectal bleeding

stomach pain

Less common

Bloody stools

bloody urine

blurred vision

chest tightness

chills

clay-colored stools

cough

dark urine

diarrhea

difficulty with breathing

dizziness

fever

full or bloated feeling

general feeling of discomfort or illness

headache

itching, skin rash

joint pain

loss of appetite

muscle aches and pains

nausea

nervousness

pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones

pounding in the ears

pressure in the stomach

runny or stuffy nose

shivering

slow or fast heartbeat

sore throat

stomach cramps

sweating

swelling of the stomach area

trouble sleeping

unpleasant breath odor

unusual tiredness or weakness

vomiting

vomiting of blood

yellow eyes or skin

Rare

Anxiety

back pain

blue or pale skin

chest pain, possibly moving to the left arm, neck, or shoulder

Incidence not known

Black, tarry stools

blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin

bloating

change in the ability to see colors, especially blue or yellow

chest discomfort

constipation

decreased frequency or amount of urine

dry cough

greatly increased frequency of urination or amount of urine

hives or welts

hoarseness

inability to move the arms and legs

increased thirst

indigestion

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals

light-colored stools

lower back or side pain

muscle weakness, sudden and progressing

pain in the ankles or knees

painful or difficult urination

painful, red lumps under the skin, mostly on the legs

rapid breathing

red skin lesions, often with a purple center

red, irritated eyes

severe nausea or vomiting

sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips

stomach tenderness

sudden numbness and weakness in the arms and legs

swelling of the feet or lower legs

swollen or painful glands

thickening of bronchial secretions

unusual bleeding or bruising

weight gain

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Sneezing

Less common

Acne

belching

continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears

difficulty with moving

dizziness or lightheadedness

excess air or gas in the stomach or bowels

feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

hair loss or thinning of the hair

hearing loss

heartburn

muscle stiffness

passing gas

sensation of spinning

stomach discomfort or upset

Incidence not known

Burning, numbness, tingling, or painful sensations

unsteadiness or awkwardness

weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Mesalamine DR (Lialda)

thumbs-up

Pros

Taken by mouth once daily

Available as a generic

thumbs-down

Cons

Need to take with food

Only available as an extended-release tablet that can't be crushed, broken, or chewed

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Mesalamine DR (Lialda)

pharmacist

  • Take mesalamine DR (Lialda) with food. This will help make sure most of the medication gets absorbed into your body so it can work as best as possible for you.

    • Don't crush, chew, or break the mesalamine DR (Lialda) tablets. Contact your prescriber if you're having trouble swallowing the pills. You might need to switch to a different medication.

      • While you're taking mesalamine DR (Lialda), it's normal for your urine to look reddish-brown when it comes in contact with surfaces or water that's been bleached. But contact your prescriber if you see that your urine is a reddish-brown color before it hits the toilet; this isn't normal.

        • Your skin might become more sensitive to the sun and be easier to burn while you're taking mesalamine DR (Lialda). To protect your skin, make sure to wear sunscreen, wear long-sleeve clothing, and find shade when you're outside.

          • Share your most up-to-date medication list with your care team. They can check that your medications are safe to take together since mesalamine DR (Lialda) interacts with a few medications. For example, taking mesalamine DR (Lialda) with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil) can raise your risk for kidney problems because they can both harm the kidneys.

            • Tell your healthcare team if you're pregnant so they can discuss with you about the risks and benefits of taking mesalamine DR (Lialda). It's not clear whether this medication is safe for you and your baby.

              • Speak with your healthcare team about the risks and benefits of breastfeeding while you're taking mesalamine DR (Lialda). It's generally safe to breastfeed while you're taking this medication if it's clearly needed, but your baby might have diarrhea.

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Mesalamine DR (Lialda)

                What happens if you take mesalamine DR (Lialda) without food?
                Less mesalamine DR (Lialda) might get absorbed into the body if you take the medication with food. This might make mesalamine DR (Lialda) work less well to treat your UC symptoms. This is based on studies that showed that food helps the medication get absorbed into the body. Make sure to be consistent with how you take mesalamine DR (Lialda). Speak with your prescriber if taking mesalamine DR (Lialda) with food isn't convenient for you. They can discuss how to best take the medication so that it works with your daily schedule.
                Is mesalamine DR (Lialda) a steroid or an immunosuppressant?
                Mesalamine DR (Lialda) is neither a steroid nor an immunosuppressant (a medication that weakens your immune system). Instead, mesalamine DR (Lialda) is an aminosalicylate. All three types of medications help treat UC, but they work differently to lower inflammation in the gut. Depending on the type and severity of your UC, your prescriber might suggest that you take mesalamine DR (Lialda) with or without steroids or immunosuppressants.
                How long does it take for mesalamine DR (Lialda) to work?
                The time it takes for mesalamine DR (Lialda) to start working isn't completely clear. But in general, studies show that people have symptom improvement from UC, including healing of the digestive tract, within 2 months of taking the medication and going into remission. Talk to your prescriber if you're concerned about how long it's taking mesalamine DR (Lialda) to work for you.
                Can mesalamine DR (Lialda) cause weight gain?
                People who took mesalamine DR (Lialda) didn't report having weight gain in clinical studies. Keep in mind that severe gut-related symptoms of UC can lead to low appetite and weight loss. So it's possible that you might slowly get your appetite back and gain a little weight if mesalamine DR (Lialda) is working to treat your UC. Discuss with your care team about ways to incorporate balanced, nutritious meals and regular exercise into your daily routine to manage your weight.
                Does mesalamine DR (Lialda) cause hair loss?
                Hair loss was reported very rarely during clinical studies of mesalamine DR (Lialda). Only 1% noticed hair loss in a clinical study of about 180 adults who took 4.8 grams of the medication per day to go into remission. Contact your prescriber if you notice unusual hair loss while you're taking mesalamine DR (Lialda). They can examine what's causing this hair loss.
                How long do mesalamine DR (Lialda) side effects last?
                It's not exactly clear how long mesalamine DR (Lialda) side effects last. But it'll probably depend on the specific side effect. For example, side effects like headache or stomach upset might last as long as you're taking mesalamine DR (Lialda). They might even get better over time as you continue to take the medication. But more rare and serious side effects, like kidney or liver problems, might take a while to get better or might not go away at all (depending on how severe the problem is). Make sure to check in regularly with your prescriber and tell them about any side effects you might be having. Your prescriber will also order lab tests to check whether you're having serious side effects.
                What's the difference between Apriso and Lialda?
                Both Lialda and Apriso are brand-name medications that contain mesalamine as the active ingredient. They're both used for ulcerative colitis (UC) but for different situations and age groups. Lialda is approved for treating UC in children as well as inducing and maintaining UC remission in adults. On the other hand, Apriso is only approved for maintaining remission in adults with UC. Lialda is a tablet that should be taken with food, whereas Apriso is a capsule that can be taken with or without food. Ask a healthcare professional if you have more questions about the differences between Lialda and Apriso.
                Does mesalamine DR (Lialda) have a generic?
                Yes, mesalamine DR (Lialda) is available as a generic.
                GoodRxEducationalIcon

                How to save using GoodRx

                Compare Prices
                1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
                Select your free coupon
                2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
                Show coupon to your pharmacist
                3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
                Get free couponLearn more
                warings-icon

                What are the risks and warnings for Mesalamine DR (Lialda)?

                Mesalamine DR (Lialda) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                risk-warning

                Kidney damage and kidney stones

                • 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.

                  risk-warning

                  Acute intolerance syndrome

                  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.

                  risk-warning

                  Severe allergic reactions

                  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).

                  risk-warning

                  Severe skin reactions

                  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-warning

                  Liver problems

                  • 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.

                    risk-warning

                    Caution in people with gut blockage

                    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-warning

                    Skin that's sensitive to sun and light

                    • 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).

                      dosage

                      Mesalamine DR (Lialda) dosage forms

                      The average cost for 60 tablets of 1.2g of Mesalamine DR (Lialda) is $1086.92 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is -48.21% off the average retail price of $733.35.
                      tablet
                      Tablet
                      DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                      1.2g120 tablets$1086.92$9.06

                      Typical dosing for Mesalamine DR (Lialda)

                      Each tablet of mesalamine DR (Lialda) contains 1.2 grams of medication.

                      • Adults

                      • Children

                        • Weight of 53 to 77 pounds: The typical dose is 2 tablets by mouth once daily for 8 weeks, then 1 tablet by mouth once daily thereafter.

                        • Weight of 77 to 110 pounds: The typical dose is 3 tablets by mouth once daily for 8 weeks, then 2 tablets by mouth once daily thereafter.

                        • Weight of more than 110 pounds: The typical dose is 4 tablets by mouth once daily for 8 weeks, then 2 tablets by mouth once daily thereafter.

                      interactions

                      Interactions between Mesalamine DR (Lialda) and other drugs

                      Mesalamine DR (Lialda) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Mesalamine DR (Lialda). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                      drug-cost

                      How much does Mesalamine DR (Lialda) cost?

                      To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                      Lialda (brand)
                      GoodRx lowest price

                      $556.85

                      (save 24.07%)
                      Mesalamine DR (Lialda) (generic)
                      GoodRx lowest price

                      $323.95

                      0
                      View prices & coupons
                      contraindications-icon

                      Mesalamine DR (Lialda) contraindications

                      Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Mesalamine DR (Lialda) will not be safe for you to take.
                      alternatives

                      What are alternatives to Mesalamine DR (Lialda)?

                      There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Mesalamine DR (Lialda). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                      Mesalamine DR (Lialda)
                      Used for:
                      $323.95 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      Mesalamine
                      Used for:

                      • Ulcerative colitis (UC)

                      $55.66 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      Mesalamine (Rowasa)
                      Used for:
                      $124.94 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      images

                      Mesalamine DR (Lialda) images

                      Tan Oval M1200 - Mesalamine 1.2g Delayed-Release Tablet
                      This medicine is Tan, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "M1200".Tan Oval M1200 - Mesalamine 1.2g Delayed-Release Tablet
                      Red Oval S1 - Mesalamine 1.2g Delayed-Release Tablet
                      This medicine is Red, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "S1".Red Oval S1 - Mesalamine 1.2g Delayed-Release Tablet
                      Red-Brown Oval Wpi 2245 - Mesalamine 1.2g Delayed-Release Tablet
                      This medicine is Red-Brown, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "Wpi 2245".Red-Brown Oval Wpi 2245 - Mesalamine 1.2g Delayed-Release Tablet
                      Red-Brown Oval 711 - Mesalamine 1.2g Delayed-Release Tablet
                      This medicine is Red-Brown, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "711".Red-Brown Oval 711 - Mesalamine 1.2g Delayed-Release Tablet
                      Red-Brown Oval M19 - Mesalamine 1.2g Delayed-Release Tablet
                      This medicine is Red-Brown, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "M19".Red-Brown Oval M19 - Mesalamine 1.2g Delayed-Release Tablet
                      Red-Brown Oval S476 - Mesalamine 1.2g Delayed-Release Tablet
                      This medicine is Red-Brown, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "S476".Red-Brown Oval S476 - Mesalamine 1.2g Delayed-Release Tablet
                      Red-Brown Oval Rg70 - Mesalamine 1.2g Delayed-Release Tablet
                      This medicine is Red-Brown, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "Rg70".Red-Brown Oval Rg70 - Mesalamine 1.2g Delayed-Release Tablet

                      Get savings updates for Mesalamine DR (Lialda)

                      Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Mesalamine DR (Lialda) and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

                      By providing your email, you consent to receive marketing communications from GoodRx, which may include content and/or data related to men’s health, women's health, reproductive care, or sexual health. You agree to the GoodRx Terms of Use and acknowledge the Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.

                      References

                      Best studies we found

                      Actavis Pharma, Inc. (2024). Mesalamine tablet, delayed release [package insert]. DailyMed.

                      Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. (n.d.). Malnutrition and IBD.

                      Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). (2024). Mesalamine. National Institute of Child Health.

                      View All References (9)

                      Feuerstein, J. D., et al. (2020). AGA Clinical Practice Guidelines on the management of moderate to severe ulcerative colitis. Gastroenterology.

                      Ham, M., et al. (2012). Mesalamine in the treatment and maintenance of remission of ulcerative colitis. Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology.

                      Iacucci, M., et al. (2010). Mesalazine in inflammatory bowel disease: A trendy topic once again? Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology. 

                      Mikami, Y., et al. (2022). Significance of 5-aminosalicylic acid intolerance in the clinical management of ulcerative colitis. Digestion.

                      Moss, A. C. (2014). Residual inflammation and ulcerative colitis in remission. Gastroenterology & Hepatology.

                      National Kidney Foundation. (2020). 10 signs you may have kidney disease.

                      National Kidney Foundation. (2023). Tests to check your kidney health.

                      Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc. (2023). Lialda- mesalamine tablet, delayed release [package insert]. DailyMed.

                      Travis, S. P. L., et al. (2011). Review article: Defining remission in ulcerative colitis. Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics.

                      GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
                      Was this page helpful?

                      Compare other Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's Disease drugs

                      Lialda vs AsacolLialda vs ColazalLialda vs DelzicolLialda vs RowasaLialda vs SulfasalazineChloroquine vs MethotrexateColazal vs RowasaMalarone vs ChloroquineMethotrexate vs AravaMethotrexate vs OtezlaMethotrexate vs PlaquenilMethotrexate vs SulfasalazineRowasa vs AsacolRowasa vs SulfasalazineSulfasalazine vs ChloroquineSulfasalazine vs Colazal
                      View More

                      Browse medications

                      View All

                      Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.