Community Forum

Have a question, or want to share your own tips and experiences? Join the discussion in the community forum. You must be registered to participate. Our forums are moderated by Crohn's & Colitis Foundation staff to facilitate a safe environment.

Mesalamine for Crohns


Thu, November 02, 2023 6:19 PM

I was recently diagnosed with mild Crohn's ilietis. My doctor started me on oral mesalamine about two weeks ago and since then my GI symptoms have gotten worse. After doing some research online, it sounds like mesalamine is not that effective for Crohn's. I haven't seen anything saying it can make symptoms worse. But I really feel awful, am having a hard time getting my doctor to respond to me, and am really tempted to stop taking the meds. Has anyone found that mesalamine made their Crohn's worse? Or found that symptoms got worse at first but then improved over time?

FPO CF123
Joined Nov 2, 2023

Wed, January 03, 2024 7:45 PM

Reply posted for infoseeker.

Thanks for responding! Thankfully I did get in to see a new doctor and am hoping she'll be more responsive. She confirmed that mesalamine does cause an adverse reaction in some patients and make their symptoms worse. She prescribed budenoside instead and I'm feeling a lot better. But I can't stay on it long term so will likely need a biologic. Good luck with your new doctor. I was initially told "now is a really bad time to switch doctors." But with repeated calls and emails finally got someone to agree to fit me in.

FPO CF123
Joined Nov 2, 2023

Wed, January 03, 2024 7:16 PM

Reply posted for CF123.

Also, I've been on Mesalamine for years.  It was good for a while, but no longer.

I am now researching biologics.  Dr. has proposed Skyrizi, Rinvocq, Stelara and something else.

FPO infoseeker
Joined Jan 3, 2024

Wed, January 03, 2024 7:14 PM

Reply posted for CF123.

If your doctor does not respond to you, shouldn't you get somebody new?

My doctor is very "hands off".  He sometimes does not respond to me.  He does not follow up.  I've been with him for 10 years.  It did me some good, but as time went on it was not enough.


Therefore I am trying a new physician at Robert Wood Johnson.  Appointment in March.

FPO infoseeker
Joined Jan 3, 2024

Sun, November 26, 2023 4:13 PM

Reply posted for gameofcrohns42.

Interesting, good to know it did work for you. Sadly my doctors office didn't respond to my four attempts to get in touch so I took myself off in desperation.  That did make the debilitating new symptoms stop, but now back to how I was before I started treatment. Now waiting to get an appointment with a new doctor who will hopefully be more responsive.

FPO CF123
Joined Nov 2, 2023

Sun, November 26, 2023 2:52 PM

Reply posted for CF123.

Yes it made my Crohn's worse before it got better keep in 
Mind that you can cause your symptoms to get worser when you just abruptly stop taking medications recommend discuss with doctor first 

FPO gameofcrohns42
Joined May 11, 2023

Related Topics

Starting Remicade Infusio...
Author Image shannonmiller
Joined Feb 20, 2023

I have Ulcerative colitis, am experiencing a bad f....

read more

Biologic- How to get it c...
Author Image orthopt2003
Joined Oct 8, 2021

Hello. My daughter 10 years old after almost 18 mo....

read more

Starting ENTYVIO Infusion...
Author Image jabberwocky
Joined Jul 28, 2023

Hello. I’m new to the C&C community and ....

read more