If you or someone you know has ulcerative colitis (UC), it’s pretty clear. The disease is not fun. While it can be treated with diet changes, lifestyle shifts, and alternative approaches, many people with UC end up on medicine.
For Black patients, who often face worse outcomes from UC, medication may be an important aspect of appropriate treatment.
Except for one problem. As effective as these commonly prescribed medications may be, they’re not without their share of problems. In fact, many side effects exist, and some of them can get pretty nasty!
So let’s cover the waterfront, and discuss the main medications, what side effects they cause, and what you can do about it.
Aminosalicylates (5-ASAs)
5-ASAs are medications used to bring down inflammation in the colon. The problem with that is, that they can also trigger headaches, nausea, stomach pain, and even kidney and liver dysfunction. Sounds like fun? Well, here’s the good news: you’ve got options.
Dealing with stomach issues? Antibiotics are one way to handle harmful bacteria that may be causing your gastrointestinal discomfort. If liver dysfunction is your problem, consider checking your liver for issues. Get regular tests and always talk to your doctor about medicine adjustments.
Overall, you should always stay well hydrated, eating a diet that features all the food groups and avoids spicy, hot, and other trigger foods.
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Corticosteroids
Have you heard of prednisone? Relatively common, corticosteroids like it can be very effective at limiting inflammation of the gut. Unfortunately, they are also sometimes effective for adding weight, increasing blood pressure, changing your mood, and even increasing your likelihood of catching illnesses.
The good news is that you can stay on top of these side effects by undergoing simple tests. Regular blood assessments can look for high sugar levels. Meanwhile, regular bone density tests can ensure you get on supplements like calcium and vitamin D before osteoporosis sets in.
One of the best things you can do when on corticosteroids is work out, not too hard, but enough to make a difference and feel better. Some daily weight-bearing workouts can go a long way in keeping your bone health strong. Be sure to eat calcium-rich foods and keep your iron levels up with lean meats and leafy greens.
Immunomodulators
Are you taking an immunomodulator like azathioprine or methotrexate? While these medicines weaken the immune system to limit inflammation, this can come at a cost. For instance, a suppressed immune system may lead to symptoms like fatigue, sickness susceptibility, liver problems, and feelings of nausea.
Your best bet is to test liver function regularly, which can pick up any damage before it gets too big. You also want to monitor your blood cell counts, as low white blood cells may account for increased infections. Aside from that, just make sure to keep yourself safe.
Stay away from sick folks, keep your hygiene strong, and eat unprocessed, organic foods where possible. While these things may be pricey (especially in today’s economy), they could save you untold dollars in healthcare costs down the road!
RELATED: 5 Ways To Get Better Sleep With UC
Biologic Therapies
If you’re taking a biologic like infliximab, you’re likely to experience some immune system-related issues. Catching infections, having local injection reactions, and even having an increased risk of cancer are all possible consequences of these therapies.
But before you freak out over ‘the Big C,’ remember: these things take time – if they happen at all. In other words, with regular checkups, a generally healthy lifestyle, and smart avoidance of sick people, you can keep your immune system humming along.
Be in touch with your healthcare team regularly, and don’t be afraid to bring up any concerns or questions about things that have you scratching your head.
At the end of the day, managing UC takes a multifaceted approach. Even if you aren’t taking medications, you may opt for surgery, such as a colectomy or J-pouch. Just like with medicines, side effects can and do occur following surgeries.
Adjusting your diet, taking probiotics for a healthy gut, and regularly speaking with a gastroenterologist can all help manage these issues.
So there you have it. It’s not rocket science, it’s not even that big of a deal. Adjustments to dosages, when you take them, and what you take with them are important too. So speak with your team, keep your head up, and conquer those pesky side effects once and for all!