How medicines fit in
Ulcerative colitis cannot be cured with medicine and may go on for many years or
even decades. However, medicine can be used to help you manage your symptoms and
stop some of its unwanted additional health problems.
Most medicines for ulcerative colitis have a double function: to treat attacks and
to help you manage the ongoing symptoms of the condition. There are three types
of medicine that can do this:
- Aminosalicylates help to reduce the inflammation and can provide
long-term relief. They are taken rectally or orally depending on the
location of the inflammation.
- Corticosteroids help to reduce inflammation and are also taken
rectally or orally. They are normally only used for short periods, as
they can have side effects in the longer term.
- Immunosuppressants are very powerful medicines which reduce inflammation
by affecting your immune system and they are only used when oral corticosteroids
are not effective and when the disease is difficult to control.
Things to consider
Some people find that complementary medicines help them to manage their ulcerative
colitis. However, it is a good idea to speak to your doctor before trying one of
these – and they should never take the place of any medicines your doctor may have
prescribed.