Why is Maintenance Therapy Needed in IBD?
Both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic inflammatory diseases. Although symptoms may disappear, they tend to recur over time. Many people with IBD respond well to medications when they have a flare-up. Unfortunately, they are at risk for future attacks unless they continue to take certain medications that will keep them in remission. Because these medications are needed over a prolonged period, they must be both effective and safe. To control inflammation during the acute phase (the initial, active phase of the illness), physicians may prescribe more potent therapies—despite potential side effects—if those therapies will help the patient get better. However, side effects or toxicity from treatment during the maintenance phase are far less acceptable, since IBD can require a lifetime of these medications.
