How is IBD treated?
There are many effective treatments options other than biologics, such as steroids, aminosalicylates, and immunomodulators. You may have tried one or more of these in the past. Click on the different tabs to learn more about these medicines. (Please note that if you are on a mobile device, all tabs will automatically be shown.)
At a glance
Steroids
Aminosalicylates
Immunomodulators
Steroids are immune-suppressing drugs that act quickly but can only be used in the short term because of potential side effects
Aminosalicylates are well-tolerated drugs that are used to treat ulcerative colitis, and do not suppress the immune system
Immunomodulators are immune-suppressing drugs that are effective at treating IBD but can take several months to start working
At a glance
Steroids are immune-suppressing drugs that act quickly but can only be used in the short term because of potential side effects
Aminosalicylates are well-tolerated drugs that are used to treat ulcerative colitis, and do not suppress the immune system
Immunomodulators are immune-suppressing drugs that are effective at treating IBD but can take several months to start working
Steroids
Examples
Prednisone, Deltasone, Medrol, Entocort, Uceris
How they work
Fast-acting drugs that decrease inflammation in the intestines by suppressing the immune system
How to take them
Taken by mouth in pill form, given through rectal suppositories or enemas, or given through an IV into the vein
Risks
Work well in the short term, but cannot be used for long periods of time because of serious side effects such as weak bones, weight gain, and infections
Aminosalicylates
Examples
Asacol HD, Lialda, Apriso, Pentasa, Azulfidine
How they work
Decrease inflammation locally in the colon without suppressing the immune system. Can treat mild to moderate cases of ulcerative colitis.
How to take them
Taken by mouth in pill form or given through rectal suppositories or enemas
Risks
Well-tolerated and have few serious side effects
Immunomodulators
Examples
Imuran, Azathioprine, 6-Mercaptopurine
How they work
Decrease inflammation in the intestines by suppressing the immune system. Effective but slow-acting drugs that can take 3 to 6 months to start working.
How to take them
Taken by mouth in pill form
Risks
Can have serious side effects such as liver damage, inflammation of the pancreas, low blood counts, or lymphoma