Examples
|
| Entocort | budesonide |
| dexamethasone | |
| Cortef, Cortenema, Proctofoam | hydrocortisone |
| methylprednisolone | |
| Orapred | prednisolone |
| prednisone | |
Some of these medicines may be taken as pills. If the
disease affects only the lower part of the colon, corticosteroids can be given
by enema. For disease that only affects the rectum, suppositories and topical
creams can be used. In severe cases, some corticosteroids are given through a
needle in a vein (IV).
How It Works
These medicines reduce
inflammation.
Why It Is Used
Corticosteroids are used to treat
ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease ().
Ulcerative colitis
- Corticosteroid pills are used to stop
symptoms of moderate to severe
ulcerative colitis when aminosalicylates, such as
sulfasalazine or mesalamine, have not worked.
- Corticosteroid
enemas, suppositories, creams, or foam can be used to treat mild to moderate
ulcerative colitis that is limited to the rectum or lower part of the
colon.
- Severe extensive disease sometimes requires treatment with
intravenous (IV) corticosteroids.
Crohn's disease
- Corticosteroid pills are used to stop symptoms of moderate to severe Crohn's disease. They are used when other medicines have not worked to stop a flare-up of Crohn's disease.
- More severe symptoms of Crohn's disease may need to be treated with corticosteroids given in a vein (intravenous, or IV). This is usually done in the hospital.
How Well It Works
Corticosteroids improve or stop the
symptoms of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. These medicines are used to
put the disease in remission (a period without symptoms). They are not used
long term. When the disease has gone into
remission, your doctor will gradually reduce the strength and the amount of
corticosteroid you are taking.
Only people who do not get better
with other medicines—less than half of people with IBD—need to take
corticosteroids. Of these people, many go into remission after taking
corticosteroids. Some people with IBD may need to
keep taking a small dose of corticosteroids to help keep them in
remission.
Steroid enemas may be especially helpful for
inflammation in the lower colon and the rectum.
Side Effects
All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.