Ulcerative Colitis Treatment & Medication Options

Fortunately, there is a wide range of treatment options available that can help control ulcerative colitis (UC) as long as you stay on your treatment as prescribed. Getting ulcerative colitis under control and achieving remission (few or no symptoms) is a main goal of ulcerative colitis treatment.

Often, the time with your doctor may be limited, so make it a priority to talk to your doctor about what you can expect from treatment and whether your treatment plan is working for you at every check-up. Talk to your doctor about finding a treatment that can help you reach these goals:

Remember, if you still experience a flare-up of symptoms and are taking your treatment as prescribed, you may want to talk to your doctor about whether your treatment is right for you. Your doctor may reassess your medication depending on the severity of your symptoms (whether they are mild, moderate, or severe).

Gastroenterologist Dr. Millie Long discusses treatment options and the importance of setting treatment goals.

Millie Long, M.D., M.P.H., is an Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Medicine.

Using this information, along with certain other tests and additional information, your doctor can help develop a treatment plan that works for you.

Medications that treat ulcerative colitis strive to control the inflammation that is a main cause of UC symptoms and induce remission. Its quite possible that you may try multiple medications before finding the one that works best. So talk to your doctor if you feel like your medication isnt meeting your treatment goals.

Its also important to note that the medication your doctor prescribes may depend on whether you have mild, moderate, or severe UC and/or where in your large intestine your disease is active.

Depending on your ulcerative colitis symptoms, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) medications for you, such as:

Over-the-counter medications are often suggested to be taken as a supplement to your prescriptionnot instead of it.

You may also be familiar with natural medicinealternative treatments, therapies, or medicine to supplement or use in place of prescription medications. Make sure you have an honest dialogue with your doctor before using alternative treatments, as they can impact the effects of traditional therapies.

Treatment with medication is the first therapeutic option for people with ulcerative colitis. However, surgery may be a consideration if the disease doesnt respond to medicationand surgery is sometimes considered to be a cure in ulcerative colitis.

Surgery in ulcerative colitis usually involves removal of the colon and rectum, which is called a proctocolectomySurgical procedure involving removal of the rectum and/or colon. The procedure can include all or part of the colon., of which the following variations are possible:

Total proctocolectomy with end ileostomyA total proctocolectomy is when the anus is surgically removed in addition to the colon and rectum. An ileostomy is a surgical procedure that creates a hole in the abdomen (called a stoma) through which solid waste is emptied into a pouch.

Proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) In this procedure, the colon and the rectum are removed, but the anus and anal sphincter muscles are preserved. The ileum is fashioned into a J, S, or W shaped pouch. This eliminates the need to wear a permanent external bag.

Its important to keep in mind that ulcerative colitis can still cause symptoms after surgeryso it's essential to continue to work with your doctor to keep up with the management of your disease.

Find out about a treatment option for moderate to severe ulcerative colitis. Learn more.

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Ulcerative Colitis Treatment & Medication Options