Some people interchange Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis (UC) because there are certain similarities between these two ailments. They are two different types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)1 this is the umbrella term for these conditions (Other lesser-known types of IBD include collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis). Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis both occur in teenagers and young adults. They affect women and men equally, and their symptoms are very similar. Whats more, their definitive causes have not yet been determined, although genes, environmental exposure, and poor immune response are both seen as contributing factors to both of these diseases. However, what sets these two apart is the area (or areas) they affect. While they both cause chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, ulcerative colitis is limited to the rectum and colon, or the large intestine. It begins in the rectum or sigmoid colon, and spreads up through the colon as the disease progresses. The inflammation and irritation mostly affect only the innermost layer of the intestine lining.2 On the other hand, Crohns disease can manifest generally on any area throughout the GI, from the mouth to the anus. It may also appear in patches. Some areas may be … Continue reading →

If you are diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, the symptoms and complications of your disease will vary depending on the extent of the disease. Its important to understand which type of ulcerative colitis you have and how it will affect you. In addition to ulcerative colitis, there are several other types of ulcerative colitis. The following is a description of the different types of ulcerative colitis and descriptions of common symptoms and complications for each: For approximately 30% of all patients with ulcerative colitis, the illness begins as ulcerative proctitis. In this form of the disease, bowel inflammation is limited to the rectum. Because of its limited extent (usually less than the six inches of the rectum), ulcerative proctitis tends to be a milder form of ulcerative colitis. It is associated with fewer complications and offers a better outlook than more widespread disease. Colitis affecting the rectum and the sigmoid colon, the lower segment of colon located right above the rectum. Symptoms include bloody diarrhea, cramps, and a constant feeling of the need to pass stool, known as tenesmus. Moderate pain on the lower left side of the abdomen may occur in active disease. Continuous inflammation that begins at the rectum … Continue reading →

Indication for APRISO APRISO is a locally acting aminosalicylate indicated for the maintenance of remission of ulcerative colitis in patients 18 years and older. The use of APRISO for treating ulcerative colitis beyond 6 months has not been evaluated in controlled clinical trials. You should not take APRISO (mesalamine) extended-release capsules if you experience an allergic reaction to salicylates or aminosalicylates (sulfasalazine), or to any of the components of APRISO capsules. It is recommended that you have an evaluation of kidney function prior to treatment with APRISO therapy and periodically while on therapy. Talk to your doctor if you have any kidney or renal problems before taking APRISO. Mesalamine has been associated with an acute intolerance syndrome that may be difficult to distinguish from a flare of your ulcerative colitis. Symptoms include cramping, acute abdominal (stomach) pain and bloody diarrhea, sometimes fever, headache, and rash. Talk to your doctor if you experience a worsening of these problems after you start treatment. If you have liver disease, talk to your doctor before taking APRISO. There have been reports of liver failure in patients with liver disease who have taken mesalamine. You should not take APRISO while taking antacids because the dissolving … Continue reading →