Lialda, really frustrated.

[Cecilia]

Ive been on lialda for about 2 weeks and a few days ago I felt sort of better. But that was short lived, today I am back to where I was 3 weeks ago. I really want to give this medicine a chance but I cant help but think it's not working.

I'm so confused about this, heres the gross part.

So I thought maybe I wasn't digesting the pills and then today after so many trips to the bathroom I saw the pills come out, and it looked like they were still filled with the medicine inside. I'm guessing thats what it was because it was white. I'm having blood mixed in with it and ive had that in the past but not to this extent. Soooo....my GI doesn't come back until this weekend. I think I should stop taking it if its causing me pain right? And blood?

I'm willing to hear anyones advice...I'm newly diagnosed and really having a hard time.

Im back to basically not eating now....this little 3 day break was to good to be true...

Frustrated,
Ceci

 

[Cookie]

Hi Ceci,

I am on Lialda as well and have had this happen too. I have also vomitted what looked to be whole pills. Many people on the forum have taken various forms of mesalamine and saw the shells of the meds in their stools because they are not digested. The different forms are designed to be released in different parts of the digestive tract. Lialda is designed to be released at the very end, specifically for colon/ rectum problems. It could be that not all of the meds are getting released before they are expelled, but most likely what you are seeing is just the shell with maybe a little med inside.

That being said, Lialda is not a very aggressive medication. If it is not working for you, you may want to talk to your doctor about trying something else. It has been my experience that mesalamine is only effective for helping to maintain remission. You may need something stronger to help get you there.

Good luck!

 

[muppet]

I wouldn't be trying to induce remission with ONLY Lialda, even though that's what it's marketed for. I'd recommend "doubling up" with Prednisone.

My Crohn's is completely controlled 90% of the time with "just" Lialda, but I definitely need stronger stuff (steroids, hyosciamine) when flaring. Don't give up on it too soon and take the heavier hitters just out of impatience, but definitely talk to your doc about bigger guns to get you up on the remission plateau.

 

[xJillx]

Hi Ceci! I take Lialda, as well, and it was bumpy the first few weeks. Actually, my symptoms got worse before they got better. I'd say I do relatively well on the medication, though I am currently in a mild flare.

I would certainly voice your concerns to your GI, but you may need to give Lialda a little more time to work. I sure hope you feel better soon!