Using ulcerative colitis medicines
Ulcerative colitis (UC) causes inflammation and ulcers (small sores) to form in the lining of the large bowel. Medicines called aminosalicylates (5-ASAs) can help reduce inflammation and control symptoms.
| The active ingredients in 5-ASA medicines include: | Balsalazide | Mesalazine | Olsalazine | Sulfasalazine |
| The medicines are sold under these brand names: | Colazide | Asacol, Mesasal, Mezavant, Pentasa and Salofalk | Dipentum | Pyralin and Salazopyrin |
You can use these medicines in several different ways (oral, rectal or a combination of both). This guide can help you decide which type of 5-ASA to use and what questions to ask your healthcare team.
Understand the facts
What are 5-ASAs?
These medicines work directly on the inner lining of the large bowel to reduce inflammation.
They are usually the first medicines your doctor prescribes for mild to moderate UC.
You will keep using these medicines long-term to keep your UC under control (remission).
What are the options?
How you use 5-ASAs depends on how severe and widespread your UC is, and which part of your large bowel is affected.
5-ASA medicines come in different forms
Oral: tablets, capsules or granules that you swallow daily.
Rectal: medicines that you insert via your anus into your rectum (back passage, bottom) either as:
- a suppository – a small, solid, round or cone-shaped medicine
- an enema – either liquid or foam, that is squeezed into your bowel using a special applicator, usually at night.
Decide what matters to you
Do you know enough?
Do you have a good understanding of where your UC affects your large bowel and how this impacts which treatment option to try?
Ask your doctor to illustrate the extent of your UC on this diagram.
What do you need to find out before you make your decision?
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