Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBest Medication for Ulcerative ColitisAminosalicylates (5-ASA)CorticosteroidsImmunomodulatorsBiologicsTargeted Synthetic Small MoleculesSurgeryIntegrative ApproachesSymptomsWhen to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Best Medication for Ulcerative Colitis
Aminosalicylates (5-ASA)
Corticosteroids
Immunomodulators
Biologics
Targeted Synthetic Small Molecules
Surgery
Integrative Approaches
Symptoms
When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
Ulcerative colitis medications help control the symptoms of ulcerative colitis (UC) and prevent flare-ups or relapses.
UC is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease.It’s anautoimmunecondition, meaning the body’s immune system attacks healthy parts of the body.
A medication plan and lifestyle modifications tailored to you may help you minimize symptoms and prevent relapses and other complications.
Your healthcare provider will work with you to find the best medication. Regular communication with them throughout your treatment is key.
ELSA BIYICK / Contributor / Getty Images
What Is the Best Medication for Ulcerative Colitis?
The best medicine forulcerative colitisdepends on several factors, such as the severity of the disease and its location.
Moderate to severe UC means you have more than six bowel movements daily, plus rectal bleeding.Moderate to severe UC also includes signs of body-wide effects (like fever ormarkers of inflammation).
There’s no cure for UC yet, apart from surgery to remove the colon. UC may not go away with medications, but they can help manage it.
UC can also go into remission, meaning the symptoms stop for a while. However, symptoms may reappear.
The following includes medications typically used for UC.
Surgery for Ulcerative Colitis
Biologics have been a game-changer for management, but up to 15% of people with UC may still need surgery.However, some people may not be able to manage UC with medications alone.
Surgery may be needed when UC is not able to be controlled with medications and lifestyle modifications. It is also used for people who have serious complications of UC like the following:
Types of surgery for UC include the following:
Other Options for Ulcerative Colitis
Several other therapies have been studied for UC, including the following:
Sometimes, UC can affect the skin, joints, eyes, liver, or gallbladder. These are called extra-intestinal manifestations because they occur outside the gastrointestinal tract.
If it’s not controlled, UC can severely disrupt daily life. It can also cause complications such as:
If you have been diagnosed with UC, watch for flares or concerning symptoms. Contact your healthcare provider if your medications don’t seem to be working or if your symptoms worsen.
Seek emergency medical help right away if you experience any of the following:
Summary
Medications for UC are used to help control symptoms and prevent flares and complications.
Several medication options are available.
Along with medications, alternative treatments that can help manage UC include acupuncture, exercise, nutrition, dietary supplements, and mental health strategies.
If these don’t work, or you have serious complications, you may want to consider discussing surgical options with your healthcare provider.
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