What Medicines Are Used To Treat Ulcerative Colitis

Avoid Foods That Make Symptoms Worse

Diet does not cause ulcerative colitis flare-ups. You may, however, notice that some foods make your symptoms worse. If so, stop eating or drinking those foods. The most common foods that seem to exacerbate ulcerative colitis symptoms are dairy products, fatty foods, and spicy foods. High fiber foods also can worsen symptoms during a flare.

Related Resources For Colitis

* Prescription savings vary by prescription and by pharmacy, and may reach up to 80% off cash price.

Pharmacy names, logos, brands, and other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

This article is not medical advice. It is intended for general informational purposes and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your physician or dial 911.

Dont Miss: Is White Rice Good For Ulcerative Colitis

What Tea Is Good For Colitis

Teas high in antioxidants, such as green tea, may help reduce swelling and pain of the intestinal tissues. Colitis is often associated with an increase in substances, called reactive oxygen species , which easily react with oxygen and can damage tissues and worsen inflammation. Infections, ischemia , radiation, and inflammatory conditions all increase the amount of these substances. Antioxidants neutralize reactive oxygen species by reacting with them before they react with molecules in the bodys tissues, minimizing the damage they do. While reactive oxygen species do not cause colitis, they can make the condition more unpleasant.

Dont Miss: Pressure Relieving Mattress For Pressure Ulcers

Also Check: Are Eggs Bad For Ulcerative Colitis

How Should This Medicine Be Used

Mesalamine comes as a delayed-release tablet, a delayed-release capsule, and an extended-release capsule to take by mouth. The delayed-release tablets are usually taken with food once a day by adults and children. The delayed-release tablets are usually taken on an empty stomach three times a day by adults. The extended-release capsules are usually taken with or without food once a day in the morning by adults. The extended-release capsules are usually taken with or without food four times a day by adults. The extended-release capsules are usually taken with or without food 2 to 4 times a day by adults and twice a day by children, preferably in the morning and afternoon.

Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take mesalamine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Drink plenty of fluids while taking mesalamine.

Continue to take mesalamine until you finish your prescription, even if you feel better at the beginning of your treatment. Do not stop taking mesalamine without talking to your doctor.

Drug Therapy For Ulcerative Colitis

Typically, your doctor will prescribe one or more of the following drugs.

Aminosalicylates These drugs are used to treat disease flares, and can help prevent future flares when taken as maintenance therapy.

Because they work directly in the digestive system, aminosalicylates have a relatively low risk of negatively affecting other areas of the body.

Corticosteroids Also known simply as steroids, corticosteroids are used to treat active disease.

Because of their high risk of side effects, steroids are used only as a bridge to help UC symptoms while other, safer drugs are introduced. Steroids should not be taken for long periods of time.

Immune system suppressors These drugs work directly on the immune system to reduce inflammation. Theyre used to treat disease flares, as well as to prevent future ones when taken for maintenance therapy.

Biologics

Small molecules are chemical compounds taken orally that also work on the immune system, but act differently from biologics.

These drugs are used to treat moderate to severe ulcerative colitis.

Immunomodulators are a second-line drug for treating ulcerative colitis. These drugs limit inflammation at its source in the immune system.

Other types of drugs your doctor may prescribe include:

Antidiarrheal medication

Pain relievers Your doctor may recommend Tylenol for mild pain.

Iron supplementsBMC Gastroenterology

Read Also: How To Reduce Ulcerative Colitis Flare

Also Check: Ulcerative Colitis And Stomach Pain

A Note About Mental Health

Living with a chronic illness like ulcerative colitis can be challenging and frustrating. You may worry about pain, possible complications, and coping with potentially embarrassing accidents. You may struggle to get used to new dietary changes or new bathroom habits.

As a result, having ulcerative colitis can take quite a toll on your mood and your mental health. Your body image and self esteem may suffer, and you may feel like youre the only person whos coping with this kind of stress and anxiety.

• 5 Deep Breathing Techniques to Try When You Really Need a Minute

But youre not alone. At least 3 million other people in the United States have some sort of inflammatory bowel disease, according to the CDC. It might help you to connect with some others who have firsthand experience with your condition and the stress that it can cause. A support group can be a lifeline when youre feeling all alone and anxious. Find a local support group through the Crohns & Colitis Foundation or ask your doctor for resources. Or you might prefer a virtual support group, like the .

You might also consider talking with a counselor or therapist, especially one who specializes in working with people with chronic illnesses.

Remember, you can live a happy, rich life with ulcerative colitis, and it doesnt affect your life expectancyall good things.

Dietary And Lifestyle Modifications

As most nutrients are absorbed higher up in the digestive tract, those with ulcerative colitis generally do not have nutrient deficiencies however, other factors might influence your nutritional state. Disease symptoms may cause food avoidance, leading to food choices that might not provide a balanced diet. If bleeding is excessive, problems such as anemia may occur, and modifications to the diet will be necessary to compensate for this.

Generally, better overall nutrition provides the body with the means to heal itself, but research and clinical experience show that diet changes alone cannot manage this disease. Depending on the extent and location of inflammation, you may have to follow a special diet, including supplementation. It is important to follow Canadas Food Guide, but this is not always easy for individuals with ulcerative colitis. We encourage you to consult a registered dietitian, who can help set up an effective, personalized nutrition plan by addressing disease-specific deficiencies and your sensitive digestive tract. Some foods may irritate the bowel and increase symptoms even though they do not worsen the disease.

In more severe cases, it might be necessary to allow the bowel time to rest and heal. Specialized diets, easy to digest meal substitutes , and fasting with intravenous feeding can achieve incremental degrees of bowel rest.

Also Check: How To Test For Ulcerative Colitis

When To Get Treatment

An increase in inflammation causes a flare, and the nature of inflammation means that you should treat it as quickly as you can. Inflammation grows exponentially, because inflammation itself causes an increase in inflammation. The longer you leave it untreated, the worse it will get. In addition, untreated inflammation not only leads to the symptoms associated with ulcerative colitis, it can also increase your risk of developing complications such as colorectal cancer down the line. Pay attention to your symptoms, and visit your physician if you notice that they change or increase even a small amount.

Side Effects Of Corticosteroids

Side effects of corticosteroids depend on the dose and duration of treatment. Short courses of prednisone, for example, usually are well tolerated with few and mild side effects. Long term high doses of corticosteroids usually produce predictable and potentially serious side effects. Common side effects include rounding of the face , acne, increased body hair, diabetes, weight gain, high blood pressure, cataracts, glaucoma, increased susceptibility to infections, muscle weakness, depression, insomnia, mood swings, personality changes, irritability, and thinning of bones with an accompanying increased risk of compression fractures of the spine. Children on corticosteroids can experience stunted growth.

The most serious complication of long-term corticosteroid use is aseptic necrosis of the hip joints. Aseptic necrosis means death of bone tissue. It is a painful condition that can ultimately lead to the need for surgical replacement of the hips. Aseptic necrosis also has been reported in knee joints. It is unknown how corticosteroids cause aseptic necrosis. The estimated incidence of aseptic necrosis among corticosteroid users is 3%-4%. Patients on corticosteroids who develop pain in hips or knees should report the pain to their doctors promptly. Early diagnosis of aseptic necrosis with cessation of corticosteroids has been reported in some patients to decrease the severity of the disease and possibly help avoid hip replacement.

Recommended Reading: Can You Take Imodium With Ulcerative Colitis

What Should I Ask My Doctor On Behalf Of My Child Or Teenager

Ask your healthcare provider the following questions in addition to the ones listed above:

• What vitamins should my child take?
• Will my other children have pediatric ulcerative colitis?
• Is my child at risk for other conditions?
• Can you recommend a psychiatrist or therapist to help my child with emotional issues related to pediatric ulcerative colitis?
• Is my child growing at a normal rate?
• What can I do to help my child cope at school?

A note from Cleveland Clinic

When you have ulcerative colitis, its essential to work closely with your healthcare team.

Take your medications as prescribed, even when you dont have symptoms. Skipping medications youre supposed to take can lead to flareups and make the disease harder to control. Your best shot at managing ulcerative colitis is to follow your treatment plan and talk to your healthcare provider regularly.

Some Ingredients In Supplements

Some supplements are very beneficial for people with UC. These include calcium, folic acid, and iron. However, some ingredients in supplements may worsen the symptoms of UC.

According to the Crohns and Colitis Foundation, people should avoid supplements that contain:

• lactose
• preservatives

All of these may aggravate a persons UC symptoms, particularly during a flare-up.

The Crohns and Colitis Foundation also adds that people should avoid taking any supplements on an empty stomach.

A person should check with a medical professional before taking any supplements, including herbal supplements, over-the-counter medications, and complementary therapies.

Read Also: Ulcerative Colitis When To Go To Er

Who Gets Ulcerative Colitis

Anyone at any age, including young children, can get ulcerative colitis. Your chance of getting it is slightly higher if you:

• Have a close relative with inflammatory bowel disease .
• Are between 15 and 30 years old, or older than 60.
• Are Jewish.
• Use frequent nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen .

Are There Any Special Dietary Requirements For People With Ulcerative Colitis

Although it seems plausible that a specialized diet might benefit patients with ulcerative colitis, there is actually no evidence to support treatment with dietary modification. Despite extensive research, no diet has been found to slow progression, treat, or cure the disease. It is recommended that patients stay on a balanced, healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, lean meats, beans, fish, eggs, nuts. Patients should also try to limit foods with saturated fatshigh cholesterol. During flare-ups, patients should continue to eat as tolerated. The Crohns and Colitis Foundation of America recommends a bland diet with soft food during a flare including hot cereals, boiled eggs, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, canned or cooked vegetables to minimize discomfort.

Also Check: Ulcer In My Stomach Symptoms

Drawbacks Of Conventional Treatment Approaches

The pharmacological therapies used for UC are associated with one or more side effects, which render them unsuitable for regular use. The conventional therapy is the treatment regimen, which is widely accepted and used by most of the healthcare professionals. The main adverse effects reported after using conventional therapy of UC include fever, nausea, headache, kidney damage, myopathy, myalgia, edema, neoplasia, congestive heart failure, tuberculosis, tremor, and hirsutism . Side effects observed on using 5-aminosalicylates include bronchitis, arthralgia, headache, dizziness, abdominal cramps, and minor metabolic disorders . Corticosteroids, though effective for UC when immediate remission is required, are also not free from side effects. The significant adverse effects of corticosteroids include edema, moon face, acne, mood disturbances, adrenal suppression, congenital fetal abnormalities, cushingoid face, gastric ulceration, and osteoporosis. Moreover, their long-term use may cause ocular side effects because of steroid-induced cataract and hyperglycemia, and chances of severe relapse have also been reported . The safety profile of biologicals has also been studied. Their side effects include leukoencephalopathy, hypersensitivity, myalgia, neoplasia, congestive heart failure, tuberculosis, and malaise . The most common side effects of immunosuppressants are hepatitis, pancreatitis, bone marrow toxicity, and leukopenia .

What Is The Main Treatment For Ulcerative Colitis

Your doctor may suggest several types of medications to curb inflammation in your gut, including sulfa drugs, corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents, and antibiotics. 5-aminosalicylic acid . Balsalazide, mesalamine, olsalazine, and sulfasalazine are the main drugs used to treat ulcerative colitis.

What is the most common treatment for ulcerative colitis?

Most people with UC take prescription drugs called aminosalicylates that tame inflammation in the gut. These include balsalazide , mesalamine , olsalazine , and sulfasalazine .

How do you manage the symptoms of ulcerative colitis?

Manage flare-ups

Also Check: Foods That Make Ulcerative Colitis Worse

What Foods Heal Ulcerative Colitis / What Drinks Are Good For Ulcerative Colitis

There is scientific evidence that wheatgrass helps to reduce active ulcerative colitis symptoms. There is also evidence that green tea can help calm the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. No food or drink, however, can induce remission or help prevent flare-ups. However, Lactobacillus and E. coli probiotics, have shown benefit in some studies in preventing flare-ups.

How Does Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Affect My Childs Mental/emotional Health

Like many conditions, ulcerative colitis can have a negative psychological effect, especially on children. They can experience physical, emotional, social and family problems. Because of the medications and/or general stress from the situation, your child may experience:

• Mood swings.
• Worry about appearance and physical stamina.
• Vulnerability because their body doesnt function normally.
• Poor concentration.
• Misunderstandings with friends and family.

Children need mutual support from all family members. Its helpful for the entire family to learn about the disease and try to be empathetic. Seek out a psychiatrist and therapist to help your child manage such challenges of their ulcerative colitis.

Recommended Reading: Do Enemas Help Ulcerative Colitis

Prednisone Prednisolone And Methylprednisolone

Prednisone is taken by mouth and is available as:

• an immediate-release tablet
• a delayed-release tablet
• a liquid solution

Its available as a generic drug and as the brand-name drugs Prednisone Intensol and Rayos .

The forms of prednisolone that are FDA approved for UC are:

• immediate-release tablet
• liquid solution
• syrup

You can take any of these forms by mouth. Prednisolone is available as a generic drug and as the brand-name drugs Millipred and Prelone .

Methylprednisolone comes in two forms:

• oral tablet
• injectable medication

Its available as a generic drug and as the brand-name drugs Medrol and Depo-Medrol .

Side effects, complications, and interactions

When given in high doses, the side effects of these drugs are similar. The more common side effects can include:

• increased blood sugar levels

Immunomodulators are drugs that decrease the bodys response to its own immune system. The result is lowered inflammation throughout your body.

Immunomodulators may reduce the number of UC flare-ups you have and help you stay symptom-free longer.

Theyre generally prescribed to people whose symptoms havent been managed with 5-ASA drugs and corticosteroids. However, these drugs may take several months to start working.

The FDA has not approved immunomodulators for the treatment of UC.

However, theyre well supported in medical literature as useful options, and your doctor may still prescribe them. This is known as off-label drug use.

What Differences Might There Be

Biosimilars are thoroughly tested. They meet strict standards to show they are as safe, effective and have no clinically meaningful differences from the originator. Where NICE has recommended the use of a biological medicine, they state that the same guidance applies to the biosimilar.However, there are likely to be some small differences including:

Some people may be sensitive to latex, which is used as a needle cover in some of some types of biosimilars, or citrate which is sometimes included as one of the ingredients.Some types of adalimumab are available without citrate or latex, and you can ask to try one of these.

You May Like: How Can You Get Rid Of Ulcers

What Are The Symptoms Of Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis symptoms often get worse over time. In the beginning, you may notice:

• Diarrhea or urgent bowel movements.
• Abdominal cramping.

• Liver disease.
• Loss of fluids and nutrients.

Symptoms are similar in pediatric ulcerative colitis and may also include delayed or poor growth. Some ulcerative colitis symptoms in children can mimic other conditions, so it is important to report all symptoms to your pediatrician.