Comprehensive medication guide to Lialda including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0–$50 copay for generic mesalamine DR on most commercial plans (Tier 1–2); brand Lialda is typically Tier 3 or higher and may require prior authorization or step therapy before coverage is approved.
Estimated Cash Pricing
Brand Lialda retails for $1,105–$1,469 for a 30-day supply (120 tablets); generic mesalamine 1.2 g delayed-release tablets retail for approximately $389 but can be as low as $45–$109 with GoodRx or SingleCare coupons for a 30-day supply.
Medfinder Findability Score
80/100
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Lialda is a brand-name prescription medication containing mesalamine (also called 5-aminosalicylic acid, or 5-ASA) in a 1.2 g delayed-release tablet formulation. It belongs to a class of drugs called aminosalicylates, which are anti-inflammatory agents that act locally in the colon.
FDA-approved on January 16, 2007, Lialda was the first once-daily oral mesalamine product in the United States. It uses proprietary MMX (Multi-Matrix System) Technology to deliver mesalamine throughout the colon in a single daily dose — a major improvement over earlier products requiring 3–4 daily doses.
Lialda is FDA-approved to induce remission in adults and pediatric patients (5 years and older, weighing at least 24 kg) with active mild to moderate ulcerative colitis, and to maintain remission of ulcerative colitis in adults. Generic mesalamine 1.2 g delayed-release tablets are available from multiple manufacturers and are bioequivalent to brand Lialda.
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Lialda's active ingredient, mesalamine, works locally in the colon to reduce inflammation. In ulcerative colitis, overactive cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes produce excess prostaglandins and leukotrienes — chemicals that drive colonic inflammation. Mesalamine inhibits these enzymes, reducing inflammatory mediator production and dampening the immune response in the colon.
Mesalamine also has the potential to inhibit nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB), a master regulator of inflammation that controls the production of multiple inflammatory proteins. Only about 21–22% of the mesalamine dose is absorbed systemically — the rest remains in the colon where it exerts its anti-inflammatory effect.
The MMX Technology in Lialda uses a pH-dependent outer coating to protect the tablet through the stomach and upper intestine, then a hydrophilic/lipophilic inner matrix to slowly release mesalamine throughout the entire colon. This mechanism allows once-daily dosing with colon-wide coverage — a significant clinical advantage.
1.2 g (induction — 2 tablets) — delayed-release tablet
2.4 g/day once daily with a meal for active UC; standard starting dose
1.2 g (induction — 4 tablets) — delayed-release tablet
4.8 g/day once daily with a meal for active UC; higher induction dose
1.2 g (maintenance — 2 tablets) — delayed-release tablet
2.4 g/day once daily with a meal for maintenance of remission
1.2 g (pediatric) — delayed-release tablet
60–80 mg/kg/day once daily for children 5+ years weighing ≥24 kg (max 4.8 g/day)
As of 2026, Lialda (mesalamine delayed-release tablets) is NOT on the FDA's active drug shortage list. Generic mesalamine 1.2 g delayed-release tablets are widely available from multiple manufacturers including Zydus Pharmaceuticals and Camber Pharmaceuticals. medfinder rates Lialda's findability at 80/100 — generally available with minor stocking gaps.
Brand-name Lialda can be harder to find because many chain pharmacies have transitioned to stocking only generic mesalamine DR. Automated inventory systems and regional distribution patterns can create localized gaps even when national supply is adequate. Patients should ask for generic mesalamine 1.2 g delayed-release tablets if brand Lialda is unavailable — it is FDA-approved as bioequivalent.
If you're having trouble finding Lialda at your pharmacy, medfinder can call nearby pharmacies to check which ones can fill your prescription, saving you hours of phone calls.
Lialda (mesalamine) is not a controlled substance and requires no DEA scheduling restrictions to prescribe. Any licensed prescriber with legal authority to write prescriptions in their state can prescribe Lialda. It can also be prescribed via telehealth since it is not a controlled medication.
Telehealth is a viable option for Lialda prescriptions. Platforms like Teladoc, MDLive, and GI-specific telehealth services can evaluate UC patients and prescribe mesalamine remotely. This is especially useful for patients in rural areas, those on stable maintenance therapy seeking refills, or patients who need timely access while waiting for an in-person GI appointment.
No. Lialda (mesalamine) is not a controlled substance and is not scheduled by the DEA. It has no abuse potential and does not require any special DEA registration to prescribe. Any licensed prescriber — including primary care physicians, gastroenterologists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants — can write a prescription for Lialda without restrictions.
Because Lialda is not controlled, it can be prescribed via telehealth in all states, refills can be written without limitations, and there are no special pharmacy dispensing restrictions. This makes it significantly easier to access compared to controlled medications like stimulants or opioids.
Lialda is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects reported in clinical trials include:
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Generic Mesalamine 1.2 g DR Tablets
FDA-approved bioequivalent to Lialda; same once-daily dosing; dramatically cheaper (as low as $45/month with coupon)
Apriso (Mesalamine ER 0.375 g capsules)
Once-daily extended-release capsules; maintenance of remission only in adults; can be taken without food
Delzicol (Mesalamine DR 400 mg capsules)
Multiple daily doses; induction and maintenance; adults and pediatric patients 5+; taken without food
Asacol HD (Mesalamine DR 800 mg tablets)
3x daily dosing; adults only; induction and maintenance; releases in terminal ileum
Pentasa (Mesalamine ER capsules)
Releases throughout entire GI tract; useful for proximal small bowel involvement; multiple daily doses
Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)
First-generation aminosalicylate; effective but more side effects; very inexpensive; requires folic acid supplementation
Prefer Lialda? We can find it.
NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin)
moderateAdditive nephrotoxicity; both can damage kidneys; use acetaminophen instead for pain relief when possible
Azathioprine / 6-mercaptopurine
majorMesalamine inhibits TPMT enzyme, causing azathioprine/6-MP to accumulate; increased risk of blood disorders, bone marrow suppression; monitor CBC regularly
Proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole)
moderatePPIs raise intestinal pH, potentially causing Lialda's pH-dependent coating to dissolve too early before reaching the colon; may reduce effectiveness
Warfarin
moderateMesalamine may increase warfarin's anticoagulant effect; monitor INR more frequently when starting, stopping, or changing mesalamine dose
Nephrotoxic drugs (diuretics, cyclosporine, aminoglycosides)
moderateAdditive kidney damage risk; ensure periodic renal function monitoring
Live vaccines (MMR-V)
majorTheoretical risk of Reye's syndrome; avoid salicylates for 6 weeks after live viral vaccination
Lialda (mesalamine) has been a cornerstone treatment for ulcerative colitis since its FDA approval in 2007. Its once-daily dosing via MMX Technology makes it one of the most patient-friendly aminosalicylate options available — and consistent adherence is critical for preventing UC flares. The availability of FDA-approved generic mesalamine 1.2 g delayed-release tablets means patients can access bioequivalent treatment at a fraction of the brand cost.
While Lialda is not in a formal shortage in 2026, brand availability at retail pharmacies can be inconsistent. Generic mesalamine is the practical solution for most patients — widely available, clinically equivalent, and dramatically cheaper. Always take Lialda with food, swallow tablets whole, and keep up with periodic kidney function monitoring as recommended by your doctor.
If you're having trouble finding Lialda or mesalamine at a pharmacy near you, medfinder can help you locate pharmacies that can fill your prescription without spending hours on hold.
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