Bloody stool, frequent flare-ups, side effects, and unintentional weight loss may signal that you need to adjust your ulcerative colitis treatment. A doctor can help you understand your options so you can find relief.
Early treatment for ulcerative colitis (UC) can help reduce inflammation and slow down the progression of the disease.
Medication options for UC include:
- aminosalicylates (5-ASA)
- corticosteroids
- immunomodulators
- biologic medications
- biosimilars
Some people with UC may need surgery if medications are not effective at managing the symptoms.
Because UC is a chronic condition, your needs may change over time, and your treatment plan may need to be adjusted.
As your symptoms or needs change and the disease progresses, you might feel like your treatment isn’t working as well as it used to. This may mean it’s time to talk with a doctor about your options.
One solution may be to change your medication or adjust your dose. In some cases, a combination of medications may be the better choice. Or it may be time to discuss your surgical options. A doctor can offer you a range of options based on your specific situation.
Here are some signs that it may be time to talk with a doctor about changing or adjusting your UC treatment plan:
Taking UC medication as prescribed can help reduce inflammation and ease symptoms. But sticking to your treatment plan may not always be easy.
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Taking the right medication at the right time and in the right dose is key for effective treatment.
But if you feel that your plan is difficult to follow, it’s worth talking with a doctor about other options. You may be able to adjust the dosage, change the schedule, or switch to a therapy that fits your lifestyle better. It’s important that you not try to change your treatment on your own — always seek the guidance of a doctor.
If you’re in remission, you might wonder whether you still need medication at all. It might be time to transition to a maintenance dose. Stopping your medications without talking with a doctor first may lead to some unwanted effects.
If you have difficulty paying for your medications, a doctor may be able to provide information about prescription assistance programs, discount cards, or treatments that may be more cost effective.
All medications may cause side effects. In some cases, a dose adjustment is enough to minimize them. If you have severe side effects or new symptoms, a doctor can help you determine whether it’s time to switch to another medication.
Talking with a doctor about side effects and other symptoms is important and can help you find out if the medication is causing the symptoms, if your condition is progressing, or if something else is happening.
One of the main goals of UC treatment is to reduce flare-ups (active periods of disease activity). If you’re experiencing more frequent flares or more severe symptoms, it may be time to assess your treatment plan.
Sometimes, adding another medication to your initial therapy can make it more effective and reduce the chance of flares. For example, a doctor may recommend adding a biologic to an immunomodulator. This type of combination therapy for UC is not uncommon.
Medications may not always be effective at managing UC symptoms. In some cases, the next step may involve surgery.
A doctor may order tests to monitor the effectiveness of your treatment. Even if you aren’t having severe symptoms, tests such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, or an endoscopy may reveal areas of active inflammation.
Evidence of inflammation may be a sign that your current treatment is not effective enough at reducing inflammation in your large intestine. A different therapy may be more effective.
Unintentional weight loss could lead to malnutrition, especially when accompanied by:
- fatigue
- low energy
- loss of muscle mass
Malnutrition may be due to intestinal inflammation or UC symptoms such as diarrhea and frequent bowel movements. Weight loss can also be a side effect of certain medications, such as:
- corticosteroids
- sulfasalazine
- methotrexate
Malnutrition is a serious condition, so it’s important to work with a doctor to pinpoint the cause and take steps to correct it.
Blood in your stool could be a sign of active inflammation. It may be caused by ulcers in the lining of your rectum or large intestine. Anal fissures or hemorrhoids, which are common
Frequent bleeding can lead to other problems, such as anemia.
Bloody stools could also mean that your medication is no longer working as it should. You can work with a doctor to determine whether a different medication may help control the bleeding. You might need additional treatment to address potential complications, such as blood loss or anemia.
Severe rectal bleeding may be a sign of sudden, severe UC, a complication that may require immediate medical attention and potentially surgery.
Corticosteroids are used to treat acute flare-ups because they’re powerful and fast-acting. They’re useful for relieving flares and inducing remission, but they should not be used as a maintenance medication.
Corticosteroids are not intended for long-term use because they suppress your immune system and can cause significant side effects, such as:
- high blood pressure
- weight gain
- rounding of your face
- acne
- insomnia
- mood shifts
If you frequently turn to corticosteroids, it may be time to review your treatment plan with a doctor. If stopping corticosteroids causes your symptoms to come back, a doctor may recommend other equally effective treatment options, such as immunomodulators or biologic therapies.
It may take some trial and error to find a UC treatment that works for you, and the treatment you need may change over time. That’s why it’s important to have open communication with a doctor and report any medication side effects or new symptoms.
Treatment options for UC continue to expand, so follow-up appointments can help you learn about new and better treatment options. A doctor can review your current treatment and recommend new ones if needed.
