Who Makes Mesalamine?

Mesalamine is a medication used to treat ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Several pharmaceutical companies manufacture mesalamine, including:

* Pfizer [1]: Pfizer is a major manufacturer of mesalamine, selling it under the brand name Lialda.
* Takeda Pharmaceutical Company [2]: Takeda Pharmaceutical Company markets mesalamine as Lialda in the US and Canada.
* Spectrum Pharmaceuticals: Spectrum Pharmaceuticals markets Apriso, another mesalamine-based product.
* Allergan [3]: Allergan previously manufactured mesalamine as an enteric-coated capsule, but it is no longer part of their product line.

What's the Patent Situation for Mesalamine?

DrugPatentWatch.com [4] tracks mesalamine patents worldwide. In the US, the generic version of mesalamine (sodium) is sold by multiple manufacturers due to the expiration of several patents.

Side Effects and Safety Concerns

Common side effects of mesalamine include diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. Long-term use may lead to mesalamine-related kidney problems [5].

Alternatives to Mesalamine

Patients who cannot tolerate mesalamine may consider alternatives like sulfasalazine or aminosalicylates. Consult a healthcare professional before switching treatments.

Sources:

[1] Pfizer – www.pfizer.com
[2] Takeda Pharmaceutical Company – www.takeda.com
[3] Pfizer – www.pfizer.com (Allergan history)
[4] DrugPatentWatch.com – www.drugpatentwatch.com (Mesalamine patents)
[5] Drugs.com – www.drugs.com (Mesalamine side effects)