What is a Generic Drug?
A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Lialda (Mesalamine)
Also Known as Mezavant
Prescription Required
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Product Details
Description
LIALDA (Mesalamine) is a prescription medication prescribed to treat Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Both of these conditions fall under the term Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
IBD is a disease that affects the gastrointestinal tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. Crohn's disease typically affects both the small and large intestines, while Ulcerative Colitis affects only the large intestine.
People with IBD have chronic inflammation in either the large intestine or both the large and small intestines. During inflammation, cells become swollen and enlarged, causing pain and reducing the ability of these organs to absorb nutrients from food. LIALDA blocks certain chemicals that intestinal cells use to signal inflammation, including cyclooxygenase and prostaglandins. By inhibiting these chemicals, LIALDA reduces inflammation for people with IBD and helps to treat and prevent symptoms.
Fact Table
Formula
C7H7NO3
License
FDA approved
Bioavailability
Orally: 20–30% (delayed-release tablets), varies by formulation
Legal status
Prescription drug
Chemical Name
Mesalamine
Elimination half-life
0.5–1.5 hours (mesalamine), 5–10 hours (N-acetyl-5-aminosalicylic acid)
Dosage (Strength)
Tablets (1.2 g), Suppositories (500 mg, 1 g), Enema (4 g/60 mL)
Pregnancy advice
Consult a doctor – Category B (US)
Brands
Lialda, Asacol, Pentasa, Apriso, others
Protein binding
43%
PubChem CID
4075
MedlinePlus
a688021
ChEBI
CHEBI:6775
ATC code
A07EC02
DrugBank
DB00244
KEGG
D00377
Routes of administration
Oral, Rectal
Directions
The dose of LIALDA can vary based on what is being treated. Take LIALDA exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
The usual dosage is 2.4 g to 4.8 g once daily by mouth with food. The length of treatment is typically 8 weeks to induce remission.
Ingredients
The active ingredient in LIALDA is mesalamine.
LIALDA generic cannot always be interchanged with other brand names since they each contain different amounts of the active ingredient and were studied under different conditions. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before switching brands.
Cautions
Tell your doctor if you have a history of cardiovascular disease. Some patients have experienced myocarditis and pericarditis while taking LIALDA.
Some patients may experience acute intolerance syndrome that is difficult to distinguish from an IBD flare-up. Symptoms include abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, fever, headache, and rash. If you start taking LIALDA and experience a new onset of these symptoms, tell your doctor and you may need to stop LIALDA.
Side Effects
Some of the most common adverse reactions that people experience when they take LIALDA include:
- Alopecia
- Headache
- Increase liver enzymes
- Pancreatitis
- Pruritus
- Worsening of Ulcerative Colitis
All of the above-listed side effects occurred in greater than 1% of people who took LIALDA during the clinical trials in which the drug gained approval. For a full list of side effects, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
References
- Lialda [package insert]. Wayne, PA: Shire; 2009.
- Mayo Clinic, Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), March 03, 2020, Retrived April 2020
- Mayo Clinic, Itchy skin (pruritus), Dec, 2018, Retrived April 2020
Frequently Asked Questions about Lialda (Mesalamine)
What is Lialda used for?
Lialda, also known as mesalamine, is an anti-inflammatory medicine used to treat a type of bowel disease known as ulcerative colitis. It helps to reduce symptoms such as diarrhea, bleeding, and stomach pain by reducing inflammation in the bowel.
What happens if you take Lialda without food?
You may take Lialda with or without food. However, taking it with food may reduce the likelihood of experiencing stronger side effects.
Is Lialda a steroid?
No, Lialda is not a steroid. It belongs to a group of drugs called aminosalicylates.
How long does it take for Lialda to work?
It may take a few days or weeks before Lialda works to ease your ulcerative colitis symptoms, including belly pain.
Why is Lialda so expensive?
The cost of Lialda can be attributed to the years of research and testing needed to ensure that brand-name drugs are safe and effective. This testing can make the drugs expensive.
Does Lialda cause weight loss?
Lialda isn’t known to cause weight loss. However, weight gain and weight loss are possible symptoms of ulcerative colitis, which Lialda is used to treat.
Is Lialda safe for long term use?
Yes, Lialda is typically used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Lialda is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it for a long time.
How long should you take Lialda?
Lialda is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Lialda is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.
Can mesalamine cause extreme fatigue?
I’m sorry, but I couldn’t find specific information on whether mesalamine, the active ingredient in Lialda, can cause extreme fatigue. It’s best to consult with a healthcare provider for this information.
Does Lialda cause anxiety?
Anxiety is listed as a rare side effect of Lialda.
What to avoid when taking mesalamine?
Specific foods, beverages, or other medications to avoid while taking mesalamine can vary depending on individual health circumstances. It’s best to discuss this with a healthcare provider.
Can you drink alcohol while taking Lialda?
The interaction between Lialda and alcohol isn’t clear. It’s best to discuss this with a healthcare provider.
What is the most common side effect of mesalamine?
Common side effects of mesalamine, the active ingredient in Lialda, include headache, gas, and abdominal pain.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.Product Code : 9630
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