Managing Possible Side Effects of Lialda
Lialda, a brand-name oral tablet, is commonly used to treat ulcerative colitis. This medication belongs to a drug class called aminosalicylates. It's essential to understand the potential side effects and precautions when considering Lialda as a treatment option.
Primary concerns for long-term use revolve around kidney and liver function. Since Lialda is eliminated by the kidneys, impaired kidney function can cause the drug to accumulate, increasing the risk for toxicity. Regular kidney function monitoring is recommended [2].
Similarly, since liver enzymes metabolize Lialda, liver disease may lead to toxic buildup. Periodic liver function tests are advised, with dose adjustments or alternative treatments considered in cases of severe liver impairment [2].
Caution is also advised when using Lialda in children aged 6-18 years, and specific long-term side effects in children are less well documented. Monitoring is recommended when used in this age group [2].
Although rare, allergic reactions can occur and include facial swelling, difficulty breathing, severe rash, and fever [2].
Mild side effects that have been reported with Lialda include hair loss, joint pain, dizziness, flatulence, increased liver enzymes, abdominal pain, diarrhea, upper respiratory infection, vomiting, anemia, and nausea.
Before taking Lialda, inform your doctor about any liver-related conditions and all medications you take. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to Lialda can include rash, itching, flushing, swelling under the skin, and swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat.
Lialda isn't known to cause tinnitus or eye-related side effects. However, it may not be the right treatment for people with blocked upper gastrointestinal tracts.
It's worth noting that Lialda is available in a generic version, mesalamine.
Regarding pregnancy and breastfeeding, animal and human studies haven't shown an increased risk of harm for you or your pregnancy if you take Lialda while pregnant. Guidelines recommend mesalamine as a preferred treatment when prescribed for maintenance of UC remission while pregnant [2]. Lialda is safe to take while breastfeeding, but it's recommended that you monitor the child who's being breastfed for diarrhea.
Stomach pain (abdominal or belly pain) is one of Lialda's more common side effects. Serious side effects that have been reported with Lialda include kidney problems, severe skin reactions, liver problems, mesalamine-induced acute intolerance syndrome, and allergic reactions.
Mesalamine-induced acute intolerance syndrome, a rare side effect of Lialda, can cause stomach cramps, abdominal pain, diarrhea containing blood, fever, headache, and rash. Contact your doctor right away if you notice symptoms of liver problems, mesalamine-induced acute tolerance syndrome, or an allergic reaction while taking Lialda.
Drinking alcohol can increase your risk of some side effects of Lialda, and in some people with UC, alcohol can cause symptoms to flare up. Lialda can cause increased liver enzymes, which can be a sign of liver damage.
If you have questions about pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Lialda, talk with your doctor. If you have skin problems such as dermatitis or eczema, you may need to take steps to reduce or avoid sun exposure while taking Lialda.
In summary, the primary long-term concerns with Lialda are related to kidney and liver function, rare allergic reactions, and the need for caution in children and those with existing organ impairments [2]. Other systemic side effects such as mood or gastrointestinal issues are reported more with other drugs like budesonide and may not be typical for Lialda [1][3].
- People seeking treatment for ulcerative colitis may consider Lialda, a brand-name oral tablet that belongs to the aminosalicylates drug class.
- Understanding the potential side effects and precautions is essential when considering Lialda as a treatment option, especially regarding long-term use and its impact on kidney and liver function.
- Since Lialda is eliminated by the kidneys, impaired kidney function can cause the drug to accumulate, increasing the risk for toxicity, requiring regular kidney function monitoring.
- Liver enzymes metabolize Lialda, so liver disease may lead to toxic buildup, necessitating periodic liver function tests.
- Caution is advised when using Lialda in children aged 6-18 years, and monitoring is recommended in this age group due to less well-documented long-term side effects.
- Mild side effects of Lialda include hair loss, joint pain, dizziness, flatulence, increased liver enzymes, abdominal pain, diarrhea, upper respiratory infection, vomiting, anemia, and nausea.
- Allergic reactions, although rare, can occur with Lialda, including facial swelling, difficulty breathing, severe rash, and fever.
- Lialda isn't known to cause tinnitus or eye-related side effects, but it might not be suitable for people with blocked upper gastrointestinal tracts.
- Lialda is available in a generic version, mesalamine, and guidelines recommend mesalamine as a preferred treatment when prescribed for maintaining Ulcerative Colitis remission while pregnant [2], being safe to take while breastfeeding, but monitoring the breastfed child for diarrhea is recommended.
