Treatments for Ulcerative Colitis: Key Points to Consider
For individuals living with moderately to severely active Ulcerative Colitis (UC), two common intravenous biologic therapies are vedolizumab and infliximab. These medications, while offering relief, come with potential side effects that patients should be aware of.
Vedolizumab (Entyvio)
Vedolizumab is a medication that targets gut-specific inflammation. Initially, it is administered intravenously following a defined schedule, but it can later be switched to subcutaneous injections for maintenance [1][5]. The dosage for UC typically involves a 300 mg IV infusion over 30 minutes at weeks 0, 2, and 6, followed by every 8 weeks maintenance.
Vedolizumab has proven effective in inducing and maintaining remission for adults with moderately to severely active UC [1]. It reduces inflammation and, in some cases, decreases the need for corticosteroids. However, potential side effects include infusion reactions, infections, headache, fatigue, nausea, and possible hypersensitivity. It is crucial to ensure one's immunization status is updated before starting therapy to reduce the risk of vaccine-preventable infections [1].
Infliximab (Remicade)
Infliximab is an anti-TNF biologic, delivered by IV infusion, with established use in UC. Patients require periodic infusions in a clinical setting [2][4]. The initial dosage typically begins with a loading phase, followed by regular 8-week maintenance infusions.
Infliximab has demonstrated effectiveness in treating moderate to severe UC and Crohn’s disease, reducing inflammation and inducing remission [2]. However, it comes with potential side effects such as infusion reactions, increased infection risk, headache, and abdominal pain. There is also a risk of developing lymphoma and other malignancies [2].
Both vedolizumab and infliximab have shown effectiveness in inducing and maintaining disease remission and corticosteroid-free remission in moderate to severe UC [1][2]. Infusion therapy can take place in clinics, hospitals, pharmacies, or even a person's home.
Other Considerations
In addition to these therapies, doctors may recommend vitamins and minerals such as iron, vitamin D, vitamin B12, zinc, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin K due to nutrient deficiencies associated with IBD [3]. However, high doses or long-term use of zinc supplements can lead to toxicity, and calcium supplementation can reduce zinc absorption [3].
Studies have shown that corticosteroid medications such as hydrocortisone can provide short-term relief of symptoms in cases of acute severe UC, with individuals receiving steroids via infusion in a hospital for around 5 to 7 days [6].
It is essential to note that more research and clinical trials of anti-integrin drugs are needed to fully understand their effectiveness and associated negative effects for people with IBD [7].
[1] Data from a 2023 review [2] Data from a 2007 study [3] Data from a 2023 study [4] Common medications for UC delivered via infusion include vedolizumab (Entyvio), infliximab (Remicade), and biologics approved primarily for Crohn’s disease but sometimes used in UC such as ustekinumab (Stelara) [5] Information about subcutaneous injection option for vedolizumab [6] Data from a 2023 review suggests that people with acute severe UC responded to IV steroids [7] More research and clinical trials of anti-integrin drugs are needed to demonstrate their effectiveness and associated negative effects for people with IBD.
- For those seeking solutions for moderately to severely active Ulcerative Colitis (UC), two common intravenous biologic therapies are Vedolizumab (Entyvio) and Infliximab (Remicade), each offering relief but with potential side effects.
- Vedolizumab, a medication that targets gut-specific inflammation, can be administered intravenously, then switched to subcutaneous injections for maintenance.
- Infliximab, an anti-TNF biologic, is also delivered via IV infusion, with a loading phase followed by regular maintenance infusions.
- Both Vedolizumab and Infliximab have been shown effective in inducing and maintaining disease remission and corticosteroid-free remission in moderate to severe UC.
- In addition to these therapies, doctors may recommend vitamins and minerals like iron, vitamin D, vitamin B12, zinc, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin K for individuals with IBD due to nutrient deficiencies.
- High doses or long-term use of zinc supplements could lead to toxicity, while calcium supplementation can reduce zinc absorption.
- In cases of acute severe UC, corticosteroid medications such as hydrocortisone can provide short-term relief of symptoms, with individuals receiving steroids via infusion in a hospital for around 5 to 7 days.
- More research and clinical trials of anti-integrin drugs are needed to fully understand their effectiveness and associated negative effects for people with IBD.
- In the realm of health and wellness, it's crucial to consider mental health, therapies, and treatments, and nutrition alongside chronic medical conditions like chronic kidney disease and chronic diseases like Ulcerative Colitis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
- CBD, a compound derived from cannabis, may have potential therapeutic benefits for managing symptoms associated with chronic diseases and mental health issues, but further research is necessary to fully understand its efficacy and potential side effects.
