Understand Ulcerative Colitis
What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease?
Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease are Forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are forms of inflammatory bowel disease. Ulcerative colitis involves inflammation of the inner lining of the colon and rectum. Crohn's disease may involve inflammation anywhere in the digestive tract from the mouth to the rectum.The following table identifies some of the differences and similarities between ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease:
| Ulcerative Colitis | Crohn's Disease | |
|---|---|---|
| Average age of onset | Late teens and twenties | Late teens and twenties |
| Site of inflammation | Colon and rectum | Anywhere from the mouth to the rectum; most commonly in the small and/or large intestines |
| Number of people in the U.S. with this condition | 500,000 - 750,000 | 500,000 - 750,000 |
| Common symptoms during active stages of the condition | Bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain/cramping, rectal bleeding | Diarrhea, abdominal pain/cramping, weight loss, fever, rectal bleeding |
| Medications used for treatment | 5-ASAs, steroids, biologics, other medications as prescribed by a doctor | Currently there are no drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat symptoms of mild Crohn's disease. However, medication is approved to treat moderate and severe cases. Ask your doctor for more information. |
Important Safety Information
Asacol® (mesalamine) delayed-release tablets, available only by prescription, are indicated to treat mild to moderate flare-ups of ulcerative colitis and maintain remission of ulcerative colitis.Asacol is generally well tolerated. In studies of flare-ups, some people taking Asacol reported headache, abdominal pain, general pain, rash, upset stomach, and worsening of colitis symptoms. In a six month maintenance study, some people reported headache, runny nose, general pain, sore throat, infection, and nervousness.
You should not take Asacol if you are allergic to Asacol or to salicylates such as aspirin. Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems or a history of kidney disease. It is recommended that all people have their kidney function tested prior to starting Asacol tablets and periodically while on Asacol therapy. Serious side effects may occur. If you have questions about taking Asacol, please talk to your doctor.
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