Treatment

What About Treatments?

Treatment for IBD can include a variety of prescription medicines (Rx) and over-the-counter medications (OTC) that you can buy without a prescription.

Doctors and other HCPs will try one or a combination of medications to see what works best for you. Which medications are used will be different for each person. If you know someone else with IBD, their medication will not likely be exactly the same as yours.

There are five different classes of prescription medications that your health care provider may try. Each type works in a slightly different way.

Medicine can be taken:

• orally (medicine in pill or liquid form taken by mouth)
• rectally (medicine in a suppository or as an enema and inserted into your anus)
• intravenously (liquid medicine put directly into your bloodstream)
• as an injection (liquid medicine is given as a shot)
• topical (medicine is spread on skin)

It is important to discuss and understand the side effects of your medication. Discuss them with your nurse or doctor. If you experience side effects, let your parents and health care professionals know immediately.

There are often lots of decisions to be made about IBD treatment.

You can play an active role in making decisions about your healthcare by being open and honest with your healthcare team about your symptoms, discussing what treatments may be best for you, and asking lots of questions. You and your doctors are partners in managing your IBD.

Click on the images below to learn more.