There is no cure for ulcerative colitis currently. However, with proper medical care from an experienced doctor, the disease can be managed effectively so that patients can live a normal, fulfilling life.

The following forms of ulcerative colitis treatment are usually prescribed:

Aminosalicylates

Aminosalicylates are medicines used to treat gut inflammation. Patients with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis may be prescribed sulfasalazine.

Those allergic to sulfa may be given a sulfa-free aminosalicylate instead. These medicines can be administered orally or in the form of an enema.

Corticosteroids

People with more severe forms of ulcerative colitis may be given corticosteroids, such as prednisone or budesonide. However, corticosteroids have serious side effects and are used only for short-term treatment.

Immunomodulators

Immunomodulators are drugs used to stimulate or suppress the immune response in the body. They calm the overactive immune system and are sometimes used to treat ulcerative colitis.

Immunomodulators include 6-mercaptopurine, azathioprine, and methotrexate.

Biologics

These medicines target proteins the immune system uses to stimulate inflammation and help calm it down.

Biologics are usually used to treat moderate to severe cases of ulcerative colitis. These include medicines like infliximab, adalimumab, golimumab certolizumab pegol and ustekinumab.

Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors

These medicines contain active substances that inhibit the action of enzymes known as Janus kinases, which trigger inflammation. The drug tofacitinib belongs to this category.

Surgery

In case of extremely severe ulcerative colitis, we may recommend a procedure called proctocolectomy. This surgery involves the removal of the entire colon and rectum. This is an invasive surgical procedure and is recommended only in extreme cases.

Cancer surveillance

If ulcerative colitis is present only in the rectum, it doesn’t affect the patient’s cancer risk. However, if bowel inflammation is found in the colon as well, then one faces a higher risk of colon cancer.

Therefore, if the disease involves more than the rectum, we recommend getting a surveillance colonoscopy every one to two years.

Ulcerative Colitis