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Understanding Ulcerative Colitis (UC)
Some facts about UC
UC is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that produces inflammation and sores or ulcers along the inside of the large intestine, also called the bowel or colon. The sores can interfere with the normal process of digesting food, often causing cramping, bloating, diarrhea, bleeding, fatigue, weight loss and frequent bowel movements.
Populations affected
- Nearly 700,000 Americans have UC
- Ulcerative colitis usually starts in people aged 15 to 30
- Ulcerative colitis affects men and women equally
- Ulcerative colitis is found worldwide, but is most common in the United States and northern Europe
- Individuals of Eastern European Jewish descent are three to five times more likely to develop UC
Cause of UC
The cause of UC is unknown, although studies have shown that up to 20 percent of people with UC will have a close relative with IBD. However, based on research, there is not a typical pattern of inheritance.
Diagnosis
Physicians diagnose UC from a patient's personal history, a physical exam and a series of tests which often include blood tests, stool samples and internal imaging tests, such as a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy.
Treatment Options
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You should not take Lialda if you are allergic to salicylates (including mesalamine or aspirin) or to any of the ingredients of Lialda. Tell your doctor if you have a stomach blockage or are allergic to sulfasalazine. Mesalamine has been associated with a syndrome that may be difficult to distinguish from an ulcerative colitis flare-up. If you experience cramping, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, fever, headache or rash, talk to your doctor immediately. Some patients taking mesalamine have reported heart-related hypersensitivity reactions, such as inflammation of the heart muscle and inflammation of the lining of the heart. Tell your doctor if you have problems with your liver or kidneys. In worldwide clinical trials, Lialda was generally well tolerated. The most common adverse events were headache and flatulence. As with other medications, some serious side effects may occur. Less than 1% of patients experienced inflammation of the pancreas, which led to discontinuation of therapy with Lialda. Please see Lialda Full Prescribing Information Privacy Policy | Unsubscribe | For Health Care Professionals
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