The main reason why things 'go wrong' in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is because of the presence of chronic uncontrolled inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

By bringing the inflammation under control, medications can relieve the symptoms of IBD and reduce the chances that complications may develop. Most importantly, controlling the inflammation gives the GI tract an opportunity to heal.

You should always consult your clinical team or pharmacist if you have any questions about your medications, or if you're concerned about possible side effects. Also, be sure to tell your clinical team if you have any known allergies to medications or if you have experienced any difficulties when taking medications in the past.

At present, the medications used to treat inflammation in IBD belong to five main categories:

  • aminosalicylates
  • corticosteroids
  • immunomodulators
  • biological agents
  • antibiotics

Several different medications have proved to be effective for the treatment of IBD. The type/s most appropriate for you and the dosage prescribed for you will depend on a number of factors:

  • the location of inflammation within your GI tract
  • the severity of your symptoms
  • whether the medications are being used to treat a flare-up of disease or to prevent further flare-ups
  • how well you are able to tolerate certain medications without experiencing undesirable side effects

Your clinical team will work out a treatment plan based on your own individual circumstances at a given time. It's quite common for people with IBD to require a combination of medications to achieve the best result.

Because IBD is a chronic condition, many people will need to take medications for long periods of time, either to bring the disease under control or to maintain remission once the symptoms have disappeared. It's important to take your medications exactly as prescribed, even if you're feeling well. Stopping your medication can result in a flare-up of symptoms or lead to other problems, such as relapse, sometimes even months later. Always consult with your clinical team before stopping any medication.

The above is an excerpt from "The Inside Story: A Toolkit for Living Well with IBD". The entire article can be found in the Member's Only section of the website.