How REMICADE Works to Treat Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulceration of the large intestines in both men and women. It typically leads to abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue, and frequent, loose, or bloody stools.

In patients with ulcerative colitis, it has been reported that the body’s immune system overproduces mediators of inflammation, including the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) protein.

Excess TNF-alpha immune mediators in the affected area trigger inflammation, which may lead to the painful symptoms of ulcerative colitis and, possibly, permanent damage to the colon.

REMICADE can reduce the signs and symptoms, induce and maintain remission, promote intestinal healing, and reduce or stop the need for steroids in patients with moderate to severe UC who haven't responded well to other therapies.

REMICADE helps control ulcerative colitis symptoms by neutralizing TNF-alpha. REMICADE is therefore called a TNF "antagonist" that works with your body's immune system to block TNF-alpha, reducing inflammation.

REMICADE targets, binds to, and blocks TNF-alpha in the affected area to relieve painful symptoms of ulcerative colitis.

REMICADE is the first and only approved ulcerative colitis treatment to block TNF-alpha.

With maintenance therapy, REMICADE can put your painful and unpredictable ulcerative colitis symptoms under control. Maintenance treatment requires a two-hour IV infusion of REMICADE just once every eight weeks after the first three doses — that could be as few as six times a year.

Individual results may vary. Talk to your doctor to see if REMICADE is right for you. Please read the Medication Guide and discuss any questions or symptoms with your doctor.

For more detailed information on treating ulcerative colitis, please visit the following resource:

• Ulcerative Colitis and REMICADE