Ulcerative Colitis

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

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Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease of the colon (large intestine). Inflammation and ulcers form on the inner lining of your colon. Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease. You may have times when signs and symptoms will decrease or disappear (remission). You will need to continue treatment in times of remission.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent

is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.

You may be weighed each day.

Healthcare providers compare your weight from day to day to record how much body fluid you have. You can become dehydrated if you lose too much fluid. You can have shortness of breath or swelling in your legs if you retain (hold) too much fluid.

Medicines:

• Aminosalicylates stop your immune system from releasing substances that can cause inflammation.
• Steroids may be given to decrease inflammation.
• Immunosuppressants may be given to calm your immune system.
• Biologic therapy helps your immune system fight the disease. These medicines increase the risk of serious infection and need careful monitoring.
• Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors block inflammation.
• Nutritional supplements , such as vitamins or minerals, may be given.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• Lialda
• Humira
• Entyvio
• mesalamine
• Stelara

View more treatment options

Tests:

• Blood tests may be used to show an infection, dehydration, or anemia (low red blood cell levels).
• A bowel movement sample may be tested for blood or infection.
• A barium enema is an x-ray of the colon. A tube is put into your anus, and a liquid called barium is put through the tube. Barium is used so that your healthcare provider can see your colon better.
• CT or MRI pictures may be used to find problems in your intestines. You may be given contrast liquid to help your colon show up better in the pictures. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid. Do not enter the MRI room with anything metal. The MRI machine uses a powerful magnet. Metal can cause serious injury from the magnet. Tell the healthcare provider if you have any metal in or on your body.
• An endoscopy is a procedure used to look for inflammation, bleeding, or ulcers in your intestines. An endoscope is a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera on the end. A tissue or bowel sample may be taken from your colon to be tested.

Surgery:

You may need surgery to help decrease your symptoms, correct problems, or to remove part or all of your colon.

RISKS:

Without treatment, you may develop a blockage in your colon or an infection in your intestines. Chronic inflammation may weaken the walls of your intestines and cause a hole to form. You may also develop other health problems, such as anemia, osteoporosis, colorectal cancer, and liver disease.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

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