Mesalamine causing Pancreatitis? What Now?

Buzzer

New Member

Joined : Jul 2015

Posts : 1

Posted 7/13/2015 9:20 AM (GMT 0)

So I'm new here and recently diagnosed (6/24/15) so I don't know much about the drugs or treatment I just know the pain sucks. I was hospitalized w/ pancreatitis which led to the discovery of my UC. I recently was prescribed mesalamine (Lialda) and the next day I had pancreatitis like symptoms. I went to Urgent Care and turns out it was pancreatitis again! I read that mesalamine can cause pancreatitis so I stopped taking the medication. Unable to get a hold of my GI after frequent phone calls. My stepmother who happens to be a nurse is saying to take half of the dosage prescribed I just really don't want to be hospitalized again for pancreatitis again. Some direction at this point would be good because the pain could get unbearable at times and I l know I should be taking something

garylouisville

Veteran Member

Joined : Aug 2012

Posts : 9088

Posted 7/13/2015 11:44 AM (GMT 0)

While you could take whole pills at half the dosage you cannot take half of a Lialda (or any other oral mesalamine)! They have a special coating which dissolves in the colon. If you cut them they will dissolve in your stomach instead which, in your case with Pancreatitus, could kill you. You should probably not take mesalamines at all, even if you take whole pills at half dose. Pancreatitus can be deadly.

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