Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are two types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affect millions of people worldwide. These conditions can cause a range of symptoms, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss.

While there is no cure for IBD, various medications can help manage symptoms and reduce inflammation in the gut. However, certain drugs may also increase the risk of illness and other adverse effects in people with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

This article will discuss some of the medications linked to an increased risk of illness in IBD and how to manage side effects.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are a class of drugs that reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. They are often used to treat acute phases of IBD, such as flare-ups. However, long-term use of corticosteroids can lead to several side effects, including:.

Weight gain
Osteoporosis
High blood pressure
Increased susceptibility to infections
Diabetes

To reduce the risk of these side effects, doctors may prescribe corticosteroids in lower doses or for shorter durations. Additionally, patients should attend regular check-ups to monitor their health while taking corticosteroids.

Immunomodulators

Immunomodulators are drugs that alter the immune system’s response to reduce inflammation in the gut. They are often used as maintenance therapy to prevent flare-ups in people with IBD.

However, these medications also carry an increased risk of infection, particularly in people who are also taking corticosteroids. Additionally, some immunomodulators can cause liver toxicity, so patients may need regular blood tests to monitor their liver function.

Biologics

Biologics are a newer class of drugs that target specific proteins in the immune system to reduce inflammation in the gut. They are often used to treat moderate to severe IBD and may be an alternative to corticosteroids or immunomodulators.

However, biologics may also increase the risk of infections, particularly in people who are also taking corticosteroids. Additionally, some biologics may increase the risk of cancer, although this risk is generally considered low.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs are a class of drugs used to reduce pain, inflammation, and fever. They are commonly used to treat conditions like headaches, cramps, and arthritis.

However, NSAIDs can worsen symptoms in people with IBD, as they can irritate the gut lining and cause bleeding. Therefore, doctors typically advise people with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease to avoid or limit NSAID use.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are drugs used to treat bacterial infections. They are sometimes prescribed to people with IBD, particularly if they have an infection, such as abscesses or fistulas.

However, antibiotics can also disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut, leading to other infections or complications. Therefore, doctors typically prescribe antibiotics only when necessary and monitor their use closely.

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

PPIs are a class of drugs used to reduce acid production in the stomach. They are often prescribed for conditions like acid reflux and ulcers. However, PPIs can reduce the absorption of certain medications, such as immunomodulators and biologics.

Therefore, doctors typically advise people with IBD who are taking PPIs to wait a few hours between taking PPIs and other medications or to switch to a different type of acid-reducing medication.

Antidiarrheals

Antidiarrheals are drugs used to reduce diarrhea. They may be prescribed to people with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease who have diarrhea as a symptom. However, antidiarrheals can also mask symptoms of infections or other complications.

Therefore, doctors typically advise people with IBD to use antidiarrheals cautiously and to report any changes in symptoms to their healthcare provider.

Pain Medications

Pain medications, such as opioids and acetaminophen, may be prescribed to people with IBD who have abdominal pain or other symptoms.

However, these medications can also have side effects, such as constipation, and may interact with other drugs used to treat IBD. Therefore, doctors typically prescribe pain medications cautiously and monitor their use closely.

Conclusion

Managing symptoms and reducing inflammation in the gut is an essential part of treating ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. However, certain medications may also increase the risk of illness and other adverse effects in people with IBD.

Therefore, it is essential to work closely with a healthcare provider to manage medications and monitor symptoms. By doing so, people with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease can reduce their risk of complications and improve their quality of life.