Question: I was hospitalized with an infected, bleeding colon three weeks ago. After having an upper GI and colonoscopy, I was put on mesalamine. A week later, I developed flu symptoms, extreme dizziness, fever of 102.5, chills, headache, tired, not hungry, confused; then developed a rash. I have had these symptoms since April 2, was back in the hospital where flu and mrsa were negative; a spinal puncture was clear, not meningitis; and they said my white blood count wasn't elevated, so they said I didn't have an infection. A CRP blood test revealed inflammation. I was taken off the mesalamine while hospitalized the second time and my symptoms cleared up. I began taking it two days, and developed the same symptoms again yesterday. I believe I am suffering from the side effects of this medication. OR, what could be wrong with me to have flu symptoms for 12 days? Thank you!