Ulcerative Colitis Insights: A Primer for Pharmacy Teams

Course overview

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the colon and rectum, and, along with Crohn's disease (CD), is one of two gastrointestinal (GI) disorders that comprise inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This condition is relapsing and remitting, with inflammation limited to the colon's mucosal layer. The appropriate diagnosis and treatment of UC is critical to maintaining patients' quality of life and avoiding disease complications. The most recent American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) guidelines focus on pharmacologic therapies and novel algorithms for starting, optimizing, and monitoring responses to these medications. These guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations and suggest that patients with UC be treated using a shared decision-making model. Pharmacists are vital to the care team. They can use their medication expertise to guide treatment decisions and counsel patients.