Ulcerative Colitis
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Treatment
There is a great deal that can be done to treat ulcerative colitis. Medications fall into four main categories:- Prednisone, steroids, cortisone – These drugs are often used initially when the disorder is most severe. The physician will usually reduce the dose in a gradual manner until a low maintenance dose is satisfactory. More often, these medications will be stopped entirely.
- Mesalamine type anti-inflammatory drugs – These medications induce an anti-inflammatory response in the colon. They can usually be used safely long term. They are given by pill form or by enemas. The trade names include Azulfidine, Dipentum, Asacol, Pentasa, Rowasa and Lialdia.
- Immune suppressors – Since the immune system is clearly implicated in ulcerative colitis, certain drugs that can dampen the immune response in the body can be useful. Imuran, 6-MP, Neoral, and methotrexate belong in this group.
- Inflammation cascade blockers – The inflammation of ulcerative colitis begins with a series of chemical changes leading finally to inflammation. Remicade is an intravenous drug that has been shown to block this domino-like cascade of factors that leads to tissue damage. This drug is usually given every 4-8 weeks, frequently for a prolonged period of time.
