Part 2 · Getting treatment today · 5/22
The main families of treatment available today for Crohn's and UC, from the gentlest to the most targeted.
You started gently, and only stepped up if it wasn't enough.
In many patients, a biologic is started early, sometimes with an immunosuppressant.
Mild UC is often treated well with mesalazine. If it is moderate to severe, advanced treatments are brought in quickly.
5-ASA (mesalazine)
They act directly on the bowel wall. They are not NSAIDs like ibuprofen.
Who for : Mainly mild to moderate UC, as long-term treatment. Not very effective in Crohn's.
How : Tablets, granules, suppositories, enemas
steroids (corticosteroids)
It quickly puts out a flare, but does not stop it coming back.
Who for : Crohn's and UC, for a few weeks only. Never as long-term treatment: bones, weight, sugar, eyes, mood.
How : Tablets, sometimes a drip in hospital
thiopurines, methotrexate
They calm the immune system. Often combined with a biologic to stop the body making antibodies against it.
Who for : Crohn's and UC. They take 2 to 3 months to work. TPMT test before azathioprine, regular blood tests, sun protection. Methotrexate: just one dose a week.
How : Tablets, or an injection for methotrexate
antibodies
Each one blocks a specific inflammation signal. Biosimilars are as effective as the original.
Who for : Moderate to severe Crohn's and UC. Before starting: screening for infections (tuberculosis, hepatitis, HIV, chickenpox) and vaccinations up to date.
How : Injections at home or drips in hospital
small molecules
Tablets that cut a relay of inflammation inside the cells, or hold back white blood cells.
Who for : Moderate to severe Crohn's and UC depending on the molecule. They work quickly. Monitoring with blood tests; caution for some (heart, clots, shingles).
How : Tablets, once or twice a day