Enteropathic Arthritis (Cont.)

Treatment for Enteropathic Arthritis

Enteropathic arthritis treatment typically begins by treating the underlying condition (see Ulcerative Colitis Treatment or Crohn's Disease Treatment). Treating the underlying condition can significantly improve enteropathic arthritis symptoms.
 
Treatment is further focused on treating any remaining symptoms. Your healthcare provider may have to try several medicines or combination of medicines before finding out what works for you.
 
Examples of medicines that may be prescribed for enteropathic arthritis treatment include:
 
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) -- these may be used with caution in people with an IBD because they can make the GI symptoms worse.
     
  • Corticosteroids (either injections or topical).
     
  • Immunosuppressive medicines, such as sulfasalazine (Azulfidine®), azathioprine (Imuran®), or methotrexate (Rheumatrex®).
     
  • TNF inhibitors. Infliximab (Remicade®) is a TNF inhibitor approved to treat Crohn's disease. Other TNF inhibitors include:
 
 
Your healthcare provider will also likely recommend physical therapy and exercise (see Arthritis and Exercise).
 
In most cases, there is no cure for enteropathic arthritis. However, removing the colon for ulcerative colitis may cure the arthritis.
 
(Enteropathic Arthritis Continued: Page 4)

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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD