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An Update on Current Pharmacotherapeutic Options for the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis

The main goals of Ulcerative Colitis (UC) treatment are to both induce and maintain the clinical and endoscopic remission of disease, reduce the incidence of complications such as dysplasia and colorectal carcinoma and improve quality of life. Although a curative medical treatment for UC has not yet been found, new therapeutic strategies addressing specific pathogenetic mechanisms of disease are emerging. Notwithstanding these novel therapies, non-biological conventional drugs remain a mainstay of treatment. The aim of this review is to summarize current therapeutic strategies used as treatment for ulcerative colitis and to briefly focus on emerging therapeutic strategies, including novel biologic…

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 Here’s Exactly What to Know About Ulcerative Colitis Treatment

If you’re one of the people with mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis, you’ll probably begin your treatment journey with a type of anti-inflammatory medication called a 5-aminosalicylate, or 5-ASA1. In fact, the American Gastroenterological Association calls the 5-ASA category “the mainstay of therapy for mild-moderate UC1.” Many people who take a drug like this take their tablets by mouth after a light meal or snack, along with plenty of water, according to the U.S. Library of Medicine. This is the standard first line of treatment and the most common starting point.

Articles of Interest

DIY faecal transplants? Don’t try this at home

In cases of DIY faecal transplants, the sufferers will often take poo samples from partners, family members, or close friends in the belief that they are healthy. But they will be unaware of any hidden factors that could cause further complications. Unfortunately, these DIY “success stories” may lead to more people believing that they may be cured of afflictions through repeating the process, but there is no guarantee of success and a very real threat of complications in later years.

Doctors — and patients — must seek alternatives to long-term steroids

Steroids were once the only treatment option for some chronic conditions. Today, many other treatments exist, but doctors often stick with the tried-and-true steroids. There are good reasons for this: They are low-cost and readily approved by insurance companies. But while generally safe for short-term use, long-term steroids pose significant dangers. When weeks on steroids turn into months, or years, the risks grow, and patients should ask questions.

Emerging Treatment Options in Mild to Moderate Ulcerative Colitis

A budesonide extended-release formulation allows once-daily dosing and delivers the agent locally throughout the colon. Biologic agents used for the treatment of moderate to severe UC include the tumor necrosis factor inhibitors infliximab, adalimumab, and golimumab, and the integrin inhibitor vedolizumab.

Morphic study shows promise — and blockbuster potential — for a pill to treat ulcerative colitis

Morphic Therapeutic said Tuesday that an experimental oral medicine induced complete remissions in 26% of patients with ulcerative colitis — achieving the goal of a mid-stage study.

Point–counterpoint: Are we overtreating patients with mild ulcerative colitis?

We propose that the decision of whether or not to treat patients with established mild UC is more complex than the treatment decision in individuals who have more severe disease (in whom the benefits clearly outweigh the harms).

The Best Diet For Ulcerative Colitis: Splitting Fact From Fiction

Many people claim to have “cured” their ulcerative colitis with diet or supplements. Unfortunately, there is no diet or pill that can cure the disease.

The Pros and Cons of Biologics for Ulcerative Colitis

The introduction of biologics has changed treatment for many people with ulcerative colitis. Here’s what you need to know about the risks and benefits.

Tips for Living With Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative Colitis is a life-changing and lifelong disease that you have to manage day by day. There are many treatments available, such as medication therapy and surgery. You may go into remission or experience flare-ups that leave you exhausted and drained.

Ulcerative Colitis Diet: Foods to Eat and Avoid

While ulcerative colitis is not caused by any specific diet, research shows that certain foods trigger symptoms so for this reason an ulcerative colitis diet has emerged.

Ulcerative colitis: bacteria findings raise hopes for new treatment

Certain bacteria in the gut are known to convert bile acids, produced by the liver, into other substances, called secondary bile acids – these substances have recently been suggested to have an anti-inflammatory role.

Weighing the new approaches to treating Crohn's and ulcerative colitis

Biologics: These medications target specific proteins and pathways to reduce inflammation in IBD. Biologics, which historically were reserved for severe cases, are now often a first-line approach for patients with CD and UC. This class of medications is a rapidly developing area of research, with several ongoing clinical trials and newly-approved agents.

Resources

Xeljanz

ELJANZ (tofacitinib) is a prescription medicine called a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor used to treat: Adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis.