MESALAMINE

82/100 · Critical

Manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc.

Mesalamine Adverse Events: High Seriousness and Diverse Reactions

145,688 FDA adverse event reports analyzed

Last updated: 2026-05-12

About MESALAMINE

MESALAMINE is a medication tracked in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc.. Based on analysis of 145,688 FDA adverse event reports, MESALAMINE has a safety score of 82 out of 100. This score indicates a relatively favorable safety profile, with fewer or less severe adverse events compared to many other tracked medications. The most commonly reported adverse reactions for MESALAMINE include OFF LABEL USE, DRUG INEFFECTIVE, COLITIS ULCERATIVE, DIARRHOEA, CONDITION AGGRAVATED. This page provides a comprehensive breakdown of reported side effects, safety signals, patient demographics, and AI-powered safety analysis for MESALAMINE.

AI Safety Analysis

Mesalamine has a safety concern score of 82 out of 100, placing it in the high concern category based on analysis of FDA adverse event data. The FDA has received approximately 145,688 adverse event reports for this medication, which is primarily manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc..

The most commonly reported adverse events include Off Label Use, Drug Ineffective, Colitis Ulcerative. Of classified reports, 74.6% were designated as serious by the FDA, meaning they involved hospitalization, disability, or other significant medical outcomes. Mesalamine reports show a high percentage of serious adverse events, particularly gastrointestinal issues and infections.

The most common reactions include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and hematochezia, indicating potential gastrointestinal side effects. A diverse range of reactions, including respiratory, neurological, and cardiovascular issues, suggests a broad safety profile.

Patients taking Mesalamine should monitor for the commonly reported side effects and contact their healthcare provider if they experience any unusual symptoms. Mesalamine can cause gastrointestinal issues and infections, and patients should be monitored for these side effects. Drug interactions are not specifically noted, but caution is advised when used with other medications affecting the gastrointestinal This analysis is based on voluntary FDA adverse event reports and should not replace professional medical advice.

Safety Score: 82/100

Mesalamine received a safety concern score of 82/100 (high concern). This is based on a 74.6% serious event ratio across 53,575 classified reports. The score accounts for 145,688 total adverse event reports and 100 distinct reaction types. This high score reflects a significant proportion of serious adverse events in the reporting data.

Top Adverse Reactions

OFF LABEL USE8,840 reports
DRUG INEFFECTIVE6,886 reports
COLITIS ULCERATIVE6,301 reports
DIARRHOEA4,743 reports
CONDITION AGGRAVATED4,455 reports
FATIGUE3,698 reports
ABDOMINAL PAIN3,583 reports
HAEMATOCHEZIA3,470 reports
NAUSEA3,220 reports
HEADACHE3,019 reports
ARTHRALGIA2,846 reports
PYREXIA2,805 reports
CROHN^S DISEASE2,711 reports
WEIGHT DECREASED2,646 reports
PAIN2,599 reports
MALAISE2,462 reports
FREQUENT BOWEL MOVEMENTS2,360 reports
INAPPROPRIATE SCHEDULE OF PRODUCT ADMINISTRATION2,082 reports
VOMITING1,992 reports
INTENTIONAL PRODUCT USE ISSUE1,983 reports
DYSPNOEA1,729 reports
DIZZINESS1,693 reports
ASTHENIA1,692 reports
RASH1,673 reports
RECTAL HAEMORRHAGE1,659 reports
WEIGHT INCREASED1,653 reports
INJECTION SITE PAIN1,584 reports
PNEUMONIA1,470 reports
NASOPHARYNGITIS1,459 reports
ABDOMINAL PAIN UPPER1,309 reports
PRURITUS1,301 reports
PAIN IN EXTREMITY1,276 reports
COVID 191,268 reports
COUGH1,190 reports
PRODUCT USE ISSUE1,187 reports
CONSTIPATION1,185 reports
ANXIETY1,181 reports
COLITIS1,170 reports
DECREASED APPETITE1,120 reports
ABDOMINAL DISCOMFORT1,109 reports
HYPERTENSION1,086 reports
INFUSION RELATED REACTION1,085 reports
ALOPECIA1,057 reports
ANAEMIA1,042 reports
INCORRECT DOSE ADMINISTERED1,040 reports
BLOOD PRESSURE INCREASED1,025 reports
BACK PAIN966 reports
ABDOMINAL DISTENSION953 reports
DEPRESSION952 reports
CHEST PAIN931 reports
SINUSITIS905 reports
MUSCLE SPASMS894 reports
ARTHRITIS881 reports
STRESS872 reports
HYPERSENSITIVITY869 reports
THERAPEUTIC PRODUCT EFFECT INCOMPLETE852 reports
HYPOAESTHESIA845 reports
URTICARIA834 reports
INSOMNIA822 reports
ERYTHEMA817 reports
DRUG HYPERSENSITIVITY806 reports
MACULAR DEGENERATION797 reports
DYSPEPSIA792 reports
INFECTION785 reports
PRODUCT USE IN UNAPPROVED INDICATION748 reports
OROPHARYNGEAL PAIN741 reports
PRODUCT DOSE OMISSION ISSUE737 reports
PERIPHERAL SWELLING728 reports
MYALGIA708 reports
FALL705 reports
MIGRAINE705 reports
PARAESTHESIA699 reports
DEHYDRATION691 reports
TREATMENT FAILURE681 reports
DEATH672 reports
URINARY TRACT INFECTION671 reports
CONFUSIONAL STATE670 reports
JOINT SWELLING668 reports
OEDEMA PERIPHERAL667 reports
FLATULENCE657 reports
CLOSTRIDIUM DIFFICILE INFECTION653 reports
ASTHMA644 reports
GAIT DISTURBANCE640 reports
CHILLS635 reports
LOSS OF PERSONAL INDEPENDENCE IN DAILY ACTIVITIES630 reports
FEELING ABNORMAL625 reports
GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDER624 reports
PANCREATITIS622 reports
DRUG INTOLERANCE618 reports
MUSCULOSKELETAL STIFFNESS613 reports
CROHN'S DISEASE605 reports
GENERAL PHYSICAL HEALTH DETERIORATION588 reports
MATERNAL EXPOSURE DURING PREGNANCY581 reports
CONTUSION577 reports
INFLUENZA569 reports
HAEMOGLOBIN DECREASED567 reports
MUCOUS STOOLS563 reports
INFLAMMATION560 reports
HAEMORRHAGE556 reports
C REACTIVE PROTEIN INCREASED553 reports

Key Safety Signals

  • High percentage of serious adverse events (74.6%)
  • Diverse range of reactions including gastrointestinal, respiratory, and neurological issues
  • Common reactions such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and hematochezia

Patient Demographics

Adverse event reports by sex: Female: 27,625, Male: 20,411, Unknown: 159. The most frequently reported age groups are age 53 (724 reports), age 44 (718 reports), age 65 (705 reports). These demographics reflect reporting patterns and may not represent the full patient population.

Report Outcomes

Out of 53,575 classified reports for MESALAMINE:

  • Serious: 39,988 reports (74.6%) — includes hospitalization, disability, life-threatening events, or death
  • Non-Serious: 13,587 reports (25.4%)
Serious 74.6%Non-Serious 25.4%

The FDA classifies an adverse event as “serious” if it results in death, hospitalization, disability, congenital anomaly, or requires intervention to prevent permanent damage.

Demographics Breakdown

Reports by Sex

Female27,625 (57.3%)
Male20,411 (42.4%)
Unknown159 (0.3%)

Reports by Age

Age 53724 reports
Age 44718 reports
Age 65705 reports
Age 62644 reports
Age 71594 reports
Age 60593 reports
Age 59591 reports
Age 61588 reports
Age 56571 reports
Age 30567 reports
Age 55567 reports
Age 67563 reports
Age 43562 reports
Age 64560 reports
Age 33554 reports
Age 41546 reports
Age 58546 reports
Age 63540 reports
Age 24536 reports
Age 32527 reports

Demographics reflect voluntary FDA adverse event reporting patterns and may not represent the full patient population.

Drug Interactions & Warnings

Mesalamine can cause gastrointestinal issues and infections, and patients should be monitored for these side effects. Drug interactions are not specifically noted, but caution is advised when used with other medications affecting the gastrointestinal

What You Should Know

If you are taking Mesalamine, here are important things to know. The most commonly reported side effects include off label use, drug ineffective, colitis ulcerative, diarrhoea, condition aggravated. While many of these may be mild and temporary, you should contact your healthcare provider if any symptoms are severe or persistent. Monitor for signs of serious adverse events such as gastrointestinal bleeding, infections, and respiratory issues. Follow prescribed dosing instructions to minimize the risk of adverse reactions. If you experience a serious adverse reaction, seek emergency medical attention immediately or call 911. You can report side effects to the FDA's MedWatch program at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Regulatory Context

The FDA continues to monitor mesalamine for safety, and the drug is approved for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. However, healthcare providers should be aware of the potential for serious adverse events and monitor patients closely.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many adverse event reports has the FDA received for Mesalamine?

The FDA has received approximately 145,688 adverse event reports associated with Mesalamine. These reports come from healthcare professionals, consumers, and manufacturers through the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Note that the number of reports does not directly indicate the frequency of side effects, as adverse events are voluntarily reported and may be underrepresented.

What are the most commonly reported side effects of Mesalamine?

The most frequently reported adverse events for Mesalamine include Off Label Use, Drug Ineffective, Colitis Ulcerative, Diarrhoea, Condition Aggravated. By volume, the top reported reactions are: Off Label Use (8,840 reports), Drug Ineffective (6,886 reports), Colitis Ulcerative (6,301 reports). These figures reflect FDA adverse event reports and may not represent the true incidence rate of these side effects in all patients taking Mesalamine.

What percentage of Mesalamine adverse event reports are serious?

Out of 53,575 classified reports, 39,988 (74.6%) were classified as serious and 13,587 as non-serious. The FDA classifies an event as "serious" if it results in death, hospitalization, disability, or other medically significant outcomes. A higher serious-event ratio warrants closer attention but does not necessarily mean the drug is unsafe.

Who reports adverse events for Mesalamine (by sex)?

Adverse event reports for Mesalamine break down by patient sex as follows: Female: 27,625, Male: 20,411, Unknown: 159. This distribution reflects reporting patterns rather than actual risk differences between groups. Reporting rates can be influenced by prescribing patterns, disease demographics, and reporting behavior.

What age groups report the most side effects for Mesalamine?

The most frequently reported age groups for Mesalamine adverse events are: age 53: 724 reports, age 44: 718 reports, age 65: 705 reports, age 62: 644 reports, age 71: 594 reports. Age-related reporting patterns can reflect both the demographics of the patient population and potential age-related susceptibility to certain side effects.

Who manufactures Mesalamine?

The primary manufacturer associated with Mesalamine adverse event reports is Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc.. Multiple manufacturers may produce generic versions of this drug. The manufacturer listed reflects the most frequently reported brand in FDA adverse event data.

What other side effects have been reported for Mesalamine?

Beyond the most common reactions, other reported adverse events for Mesalamine include: Fatigue, Abdominal Pain, Haematochezia, Nausea, Headache. Less common side effects can still be clinically significant. Patients should report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider.

How do I report a side effect from Mesalamine?

You can report adverse events from Mesalamine to the FDA through their MedWatch program at www.fda.gov/medwatch, by calling 1-800-FDA-1088, or by completing Form FDA 3500. Healthcare professionals, consumers, and manufacturers can all submit reports. Reporting helps the FDA monitor drug safety after approval.

What is Mesalamine's safety score and what does it mean?

Mesalamine has a safety concern score of 82 out of 100 (high concern). This score is calculated from the ratio of serious to non-serious adverse events, the diversity of reported reactions, and the overall volume of reports relative to usage. Mesalamine reports show a high percentage of serious adverse events, particularly gastrointestinal issues and infections.

What are the key safety signals for Mesalamine?

Key safety signals identified in Mesalamine's adverse event data include: High percentage of serious adverse events (74.6%). Diverse range of reactions including gastrointestinal, respiratory, and neurological issues. Common reactions such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and hematochezia. These signals are derived from patterns in FDA reports and should be discussed with a healthcare provider for personalized assessment.

Does Mesalamine interact with other drugs?

Mesalamine can cause gastrointestinal issues and infections, and patients should be monitored for these side effects. Drug interactions are not specifically noted, but caution is advised when used with other medications affecting the gastrointestinal Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs you are taking before starting Mesalamine.

What should patients know before taking Mesalamine?

Monitor for signs of serious adverse events such as gastrointestinal bleeding, infections, and respiratory issues. Follow prescribed dosing instructions to minimize the risk of adverse reactions.

Are Mesalamine side effects well-documented?

Mesalamine has 145,688 adverse event reports on file with the FDA. The most common reactions include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and hematochezia, indicating potential gastrointestinal side effects. The volume of reports for Mesalamine reflects both the drug's usage level and the vigilance of the reporting community.

What is the FDA's position on Mesalamine?

The FDA continues to monitor mesalamine for safety, and the drug is approved for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. However, healthcare providers should be aware of the potential for serious adverse events and monitor patients closely. For the most current regulatory information, check the FDA's drug labeling database or consult your pharmacist.

Related Drugs

Drugs related to MESALAMINE based on therapeutic use, drug class, or shared indications:

CiprofloxacinMetronidazoleAzathioprine
Important Disclaimer: This content is generated by AI analysis of FDA adverse event reports and is provided for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Adverse event reports submitted to the FDA do not prove that a medication caused the reported side effect. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you experience a serious side effect, contact your doctor or call 911 immediately.