A Game Plan for Your Moderate-to-Severe Ulcerative Colitis – Casson Living – World News, Breaking News, International News

A Game Plan for Your Moderate-to-Severe Ulcerative Colitis – Casson Living – World News, Breaking News, International News

For avid football enthusiasts, the erratic nature of ulcerative colitis (UC) may feel surprisingly relatable. Just as a football team’s performance can shift dramatically from one week to the next, UC symptoms can fluctuate daily, presenting unforeseen obstacles. One moment, you might feel perfectly fine; the next, you’re confronted with discomfort and uncertainty.

Dr. Zuri Murrell, a colorectal surgeon based in Los Angeles, draws intriguing comparisons between managing UC and his experiences with football, both as a player and a devoted fan.

Understanding UC

“I PLAYED FOOTBALL during my junior high years, and it quickly became clear how much preparation is essential before hitting the field,” Dr. Murrell explains. “The same principle applies to UC. Being aware of what you’re dealing with can significantly simplify the management of your condition.”

UC symptoms can vary widely, from urgent trips to the restroom to the presence of blood in the stool, interspersed with periods of remission. Though there is currently no cure for UC, it can be effectively managed through appropriate medication or surgical options when necessary.

Distinct from other gastrointestinal conditions, UC specifically targets the colon and rectum, affecting around 1.25 million individuals in the United States. If not addressed, UC can result in serious complications, including ulcers and an elevated risk of colon cancer.

Dr. Murrell points out that while UC is a lifelong diagnosis, recent advancements in treatment options, such as medications like VELSIPITY® (etrasimod), have made it more manageable for patients.

For complete Prescribing Information, including the Medication Guide, visit velsipityPI.com. VELSIPITY is a prescription medication that functions as a sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator, indicated for the treatment of moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis in adults. Patients with certain heart conditions, including a history of heart attack, unstable angina, stroke, or heart failure, as well as those experiencing uncorrected arrhythmias, should avoid using VELSIPITY. Notably, serious side effects may occur, including infections (some of which could be life-threatening) and bradyarrhythmia, or a reduced heart rate.

For more information on serious side effects, refer to the full Important Safety Information below.

Your Game Plan for Managing UC

IN ADDITION TO COLLABORATING with your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment for your needs, here are Dr. Murrell’s three essential strategies for effectively managing UC.

1. Foster Trust Within Your Team

Establishing a strong support network is vital for UC management, much like a football team relies on trust and collaboration. Open and honest communication with your healthcare providers is crucial for discovering effective treatment options.

Resilience is key when dealing with challenges, whether on the football field or in managing UC. Just as setbacks in sports don’t dictate the final score, challenges in managing UC can be tackled with determination. Keeping a symptom diary and being willing to adjust treatment plans can lead to improved management.

2. Cultivate Resilience

Resilience is essential in navigating UC, akin to how athletes must adapt to obstacles in their sport. Maintaining a positive mindset, leaning on support systems, and remaining dedicated to finding effective treatments are crucial components.

3. Monitor Your Symptoms (and Be Ready to Adapt)

Tracking your symptoms and being open to modifying treatment plans is imperative for effective UC management. Keeping a symptom log can provide a sense of empowerment and assist healthcare providers in personalizing treatments to meet individual needs.

By implementing these strategies and maintaining a close partnership with healthcare providers, individuals experiencing moderate to severe UC can enhance their symptoms and overall quality of life.

Important Safety Information and Indication

Do not use VELSIPITY if you:

  • have experienced a heart attack, unstable angina, stroke, or mini-stroke (transient ischemic attack or TIA), or certain serious heart failure requiring hospitalization in the last six months.
  • have a history of uncorrected arrhythmias.

Consult your healthcare provider before starting VELSIPITY if you have any of these conditions or are unsure about your health status.

Potential serious side effects of VELSIPITY include:

  • Infections: VELSIPITY can elevate your risk of severe infections, some of which may be life-threatening. It reduces lymphocyte levels in your blood, typically returning to normal within four to five weeks after discontinuation. Your healthcare provider will conduct blood tests before initiating treatment. If you experience any signs of infection during treatment or for five weeks after stopping VELSIPITY, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
  • Bradyarrhythmia (slow heart rate): After starting VELSIPITY, your heart rate may temporarily slow down, particularly after your first dose. An electrocardiogram (ECG) will be conducted to assess your heart’s electrical activity before initiating treatment. Notify your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms of a slow heart rate.

Before using VELSIPITY, inform your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including:

  • Any serious or recurrent infections.
  • Conditions that impair your immune response.
  • Recent vaccinations or upcoming vaccine schedules.
  • If you have a history of heart issues, strokes, or fainting spells.
  • Any liver problems or skin cancer history.
  • Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or plans to conceive.

Disclose all medications you are taking, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Combining VELSIPITY with certain medications can lead to severe side effects. Be especially cautious if you’re taking:

  • Heart rhythm or blood pressure medications.
  • Immunosuppressants.
  • Moderate to strong inhibitors of CYP2C9 and CYP3A4.
  • Rifampin.

It’s recommended to avoid live vaccines for at least four weeks before starting VELSIPITY, during treatment, and for five weeks post-treatment. Discuss vaccination plans with your healthcare provider to ensure safety while on VELSIPITY.

Did you know that the effectiveness of vaccines may diminish when given during VELSIPITY treatment? This medication comes with potential serious side effects that you should be aware of:

– Liver issues: Regular monitoring of liver function is essential, and you should report any symptoms like nausea or jaundice to your healthcare provider.
– Blood pressure: Regular monitoring is necessary to maintain a healthy blood pressure range.
– Vision changes: Monitor for symptoms like blurriness or sensitivity to light and inform your provider if these occur.
– Skin cancer: Protect your skin from sun exposure and report any changes to your healthcare provider.
– Brain issues: Seek immediate medical help for symptoms like severe headache or confusion.
– Breathing difficulties: Notify your healthcare provider of any new or worsening respiratory symptoms.

The common side effects of VELSIPITY include headaches, elevated liver tests, and dizziness. If you have any concerns or experience side effects, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist. It’s vital to report any adverse effects to the FDA or Pfizer.

VELSIPITY is intended for adults dealing with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis and is not recommended for use in children. Stay informed and prioritize your health throughout your treatment journey with VELSIPITY.