Considerations for diagnosed patients
Treatment and management resources
Primary care clinicians should be familiar with medications used for IBD and IBD management
Available medication therapies for IBD
Medication classes
There are several major classes of medications used for IBD, such as corticosteroids, aminosalicylates, immunomodulators, biologics, and small-molecule therapies.
Medication considerations
Medication therapy for IBD is complex and requires consideration of a medication’s efficacy and safety, as well as disease and patient-specific characteristics (eg, age, comorbidities, disease severity).
IBD therapy classes and route of administration
| Corticosteroids | Aminosalicylates | Immunomodulators | Small-molecules |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
| JAK inhibitors S1P receptor modulators
|
| Biologics | ||
|---|---|---|
TNF-alpha (α) inhibitors | Integrin inhibitors | Interleukin (IL) inhibitors |
IV or SQ | IV and SQ | IV and SQ |
Abbreviations: IM = intramuscular; IV = intravenous; JAK = janus kinase; S1P = Sphingosine-1-phosphate; SQ = subcutaneous; TNF = tumor necrosis factor.
Information about the selected potential side effects for the major classes of medications used for IBD can be found in Appendix A—Treatments.
Medication adherence and access
Nonadherence
Medication nonadherence leads to poor disease outcomes.
Screening
Screen for medication nonadherence and provide support such as education, assistance with reminder systems or organizational strategies (eg, pill boxes), or support with medication access.
Referrals
Patients may benefit from referral to social workers, patient navigators, or pharmacists who can assist with medication- or insurance-related issues.
Clinical tools: Medication resources
Websites such as NeedyMeds and the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation: Managing the Cost of IBD, can help patients understand health insurance coverage and assistance programs.
Guidelines for the Management of IBD
Clinical tools: Guidelines
There are several guidelines available regarding the management of IBD. Links to the most common guidelines are provided in the Clinician-focused resources section of this toolkit.
Consult with specialists
Primary care clinicians should consult with IBD specialists/gastroenterologists regarding the management of patients with IBD.