Ulcerative Colitis (UC)A chronic illness that causes inflammation of the lining of the large intestine.1

Symptoms1

• Frequent bowel movements or diarrhea(loose stool)

• Bloody bowel movements

• Abdominal pain/cramping

• Rectal urgency (an urgent need to havea bowel movement)

• Tenesmus (a feeling of wanting to go tothe bathroom but with nothing to pass)

• Weight loss

• Feeling generally unwell

Complications2

Potential complications arising from ulcerative colitis include:• Colectomy (surgical removal of the colon)

• Severe bleeding in the colon

• Increased risk of colon cancer

• Perforation (tear) in the colon

Understanding

Ulcerative Colitis

Rectum

Anus

Cecum

Sigmoid colon

Descending colon

Transverse colonAscending

colon

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Medication Types Description

Aminosalicylatese.g., 5-ASA: Asacol*, Pentasa*, Salofalk*, Mezavant*

Oral and rectally administered anti-inflammatory drugs for mild to moderate disease; they act through several mechanisms

Corticosteroidse.g., prednisone, betamethasone, Betnesol*

Oral and rectally administered drugs used to suppress the inflammatory response through a variety of mechanisms

Immunosuppressantse.g., Imuran* (azathioprine), Purinethol* (6-mercaptopurine), methotrexate

Oral medications that inhibit T-cell function in the immune system; used for long-term symptom control

Biologicse.g., Remicade* (infliximab), Simponi* (golimumab), Humira* (adalimumab), Entyvio* (vedolizumab)

Intravenous or subcutaneous agents that target specific areas of the immune system to relieve inflammation

Surgerye.g., colectomy

Removal of the colon to treat medically refractory disease or complications

Notes:

References: 1. Steinhart AH. Crohn’s & Colitis: Understanding and Managing IBD. Toronto, Canada: Robert Rose; 2006. 2. Ulcerative Colitis. Merck Manual of Medical Information — Second Home Edition website. http://www.merck.com/mmhe/print/sec09/ch126/ch126c.html. Accessed July 21, 2010. 3. Kornbluth A, Sachar DB. Ulcerative Colitis Practice Guidelines in Adults (Update): American College of Gastroenterology, Practice Parameters Committee. Am J Gastroenterol. 2010;99(7):1371-1385.

* Trademarks are the property of their respective owner(s).

† Adapted from Dignass et al., 2012 & CCFC, 2012 ‡ These treatment options do not necessarily treat or prevent complications of ulcerative colitis, nor are they indicated to prevent or minimize the risk of colon cancer.

Understanding Ulcerative Colitis

Treatment Goals3

• Achieve relief of symptoms and remain symptom-free

• Reduce the need for corticosteroids

• Enhance quality of life:

• Reduce impairment of function at school/work

• Reduce disruption to personal relationships

• Access to social and emotional support and patient education

Treatment OptionsTreatment of ulcerative colitis is tailored to each person depending on the location and severity of the disease. Here are some common treatment options available2†‡:

Mild Moderate Severe

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