Written and medically reviewed by Dorcas Morak, Pharm.D
Each year from December 1–7, Crohn’s & Colitis Awareness Week shines a light on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It brings together patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to foster understanding, share breakthroughs, and advocate for better care.
This awareness week also emphasizes cost-saving solutions, such as the RxLess® Assurance Plan—a platform that helps patients access real-time prescription prices and lower their out-of-pocket medication costs at over 70,000 U.S. pharmacies.
Nearly 3 million Americans live with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, making IBD one of the fastest-growing chronic gastrointestinal conditions in the U.S. The campaign encourages open dialogue about symptoms, stigma, and treatment challenges—building a more informed, supportive community for those affected year-round.
What Is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?
IBD refers to chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, primarily encompassing Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
- Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive tract—from the mouth to the anus—and often causes deep inflammation, abdominal pain, strictures (narrowing of the intestines), weight loss, and nutritional deficiencies.
- Ulcerative colitis typically involves the colon and rectum, producing ulcers and persistent inflammation that lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, bloody stools, and urgent bowel movements.
What Are the Latest Advances in IBD Medications?
Over the past decade, IBD treatment has evolved from broad immune suppression to targeted biologic and small-molecule therapies that act on specific inflammatory pathways. These advances have improved long-term symptom control, reduced flare frequency, and improved quality of life for many patients.
Key categories and examples include:
- TNF-alpha inhibitors
- Adalimumab (Humira®)
- Infliximab (Remicade®)
- Golimumab (Simponi®) These biologics reduce gut inflammation and are among the most established therapies for both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
- IL-12 and IL-23 pathway inhibitors
- Ustekinumab (Stelara®) targets IL-12 and IL-23 pathways to control immune activity.
- Guselkumab (Tremfya®) and Risankizumab (Skyrizi®) are newer IL-23 inhibitors approved for moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. They represent a major advance in precision treatment, offering sustained remission for patients who have not responded to TNF inhibitors.
- Integrin receptor antagonists
- Vedolizumab (Entyvio®) blocks white blood cells from migrating into intestinal tissue, reducing inflammation locally in the gut without broad immune suppression.
- Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors
- Tofacitinib (Xeljanz®) and Upadacitinib (Rinvoq®) are oral small-molecule therapies that block intracellular inflammation signaling.
- Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulators
- Ozanimod (Zeposia®) offers another oral option for ulcerative colitis by modulating immune cell trafficking.
- Traditional therapies
- Mesalamine (Asacol®, Lialda®), Azathioprine (Imuran®), Methotrexate (Trexall®, Rasuvo®), and Prednisone remain cornerstone medications for controlling inflammation and inducing remission, particularly in mild to moderate cases or early disease management.
Each patient’s treatment plan is individualized based on disease severity, response to previous therapy, and side-effect profile—with many specialists combining traditional and biologic approaches for best results.
What Challenges Do Patients Face with IBD Care?
Living with Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis means managing lifelong physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Common symptoms—such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and weight loss—can severely affect daily life, work, and relationships.
Access to care is another concern. Many patients must try several medications before finding one that works effectively. Routine lab tests, colonoscopies, and infusion treatments can quickly add to the financial strain.
The cost of biologic drugs is especially high—often $5,000–$7,000 per month without insurance. Even with coverage, copays and coinsurance can be substantial, causing some patients to delay or skip doses, which increases the risk of relapse and hospitalization.
How Can You Make IBD Treatment More Affordable?
To help manage prescription costs:
- Use the RxLess® Assurance Plan to compare real-time pharmacy prices for your medications—such as Mesalamine, Azathioprine, Methotrexate, and Prednisone—and save up to 88% at nearby pharmacies. No membership or insurance is required.
- For high-cost biologics and specialty medications, explore manufacturer savings cards, patient assistance programs, and nonprofit foundation support to offset out-of-pocket expenses.
Why Awareness Week Matters
Crohn’s & Colitis Awareness Week is more than an observance—it’s a call to compassion and action. Each December, it reminds us that chronic conditions like IBD deserve empathy, innovation, and affordable access to care. By supporting research, reducing stigma, and improving affordability through programs like the RxLess® Assurance Plan, we can help millions of Americans live healthier, more empowered lives with IBD.
