Ulcerative colitis (UC) medications and treatments
Managing UC
While there is currently no cure for UC, medications are available to help reduce inflammation in the colon, and lessen the other symptoms of UC. Before starting any new treatment, it is important to discuss with your doctor if that treatment is right for you.
Medications used in UC include:
- Aminosalicylates (5-ASAs): This class of anti-inflammatory drugs is typically used to treat mild to moderate UC symptoms and help prevent relapses. They include sulfasalazine and oral formulations of mesalamine
- Corticosteroids: Also known as steroids, drugs such as prednisone, methylprednisolone, budesonide, and hydrocortisone also reduce inflammation and are used to treat UC. Corticosteroids suppress the immune system
- Immune modifiers: Immune modifiers are sometimes called immunomodulators. They lessen the inflammation caused by UC by working on the body's immune system
- Biologic therapies: Biologic therapies are the newest class of drugs used for people with moderate to severe UC. These drugs are made from antibodies (y-shaped proteins) that interfere with the inflammation process. Biologic drugs come in several forms. Most common administration is by injection or infusion