IBD Medication Guide

Conventional Therapies

5-Aminosalicylic Acid (5-ASA)

5-ASA helps to settle acute inflammation and keep the inflammation inactive when used for maintenance treatment. 5-ASA medication is generally safe and well tolerated for long-term use, but tends to only be effective in treating mild-moderate IBD. They are available in oral and rectal formulations.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are typically used in the short-term to treat bacterial infections that might result in the compromised gut of individuals with IBD.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are a type of steroid hormone that are anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive. However, they are only recommended for short-term treatment and can have many negative side effects, including osteoporosis, increased blood sugar, weight gain (particularly in the face and abdomen), blurry vision, mental health symptoms, and more. These are available in oral, rectal, and intravenous infusion formulations.

Immunomodulators

Immunomodulators, or immunosuppressants, are drugs that reduce inflammation by modifying the way that the immune system works. They tend to be safer to use long-term than corticosteroids, but also have many side effects and can make you more susceptible to infection. There are older forms of immunomodulators as well as several newer, more specialized classes, which you can learn about below (biologics, biosimilars, JAK-inhibitors, and S1P-receptor modulators).

Advanced Therapies

Biologics (originators)

Biologics are large molecule medications made from specifically developed proteins that selectively block molecules involved in the inflammatory process. They are newer medications that tend to be very effective. These are available in intravenous infusion and subcutaneous injection formulations.

Biosimilars

Biosimilars are medications that have the same INN as an originator biologic. However, unlike most generic medications, biosimilars are just similar to the originator biologic, not identical. These are available in intravenous infusion and subcutaneous injection formulations.

JAK-Inhibitors

JAK-inhibitors are a newer class of immunomodulators that target inflammation. They typically work faster than biologics, pose no risk for immunogenicity, and are easy and convenient to take since they are in pill form. These are available in oral formulations.

S1P-Receptor Modulators

S1P inhibitors are a newer type of immunomodulators that act as a receptor agonist, sequestering lymphocytes to peripheral lymphoid organs and away from their sites of chronic inflammation. These are available in oral formulations.