New Educational Tool for Understanding UC Flares

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affecting half a million people in the United States, yet many patients don't always understand how to recognize or treat the symptoms associated with the disease.

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammation of the lining of the rectum and colon. The disease is marked by unpredictable "flares" when the inflammation causing the disease state spikes, causing stomach pain and bloody diarrhea. Up to 80 percent of UC patients suffer from flares. This highlights the need for patient, physician, and caregiver information.(1)

To provide that information, an educational brochure titled, Managing Flares and other IBD Symptoms, is now available from the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA), made possible by an educational grant from Alaven Pharmaceutical LLC, makers of the topical UC flare treatment, ROWASA Kit* (mesalamine rectal suspension enema).

The brochure further defines the symptoms of flare-ups for both Crohn's** disease and UC and includes information on diet and lifestyle, the treatment options for overall maintenance of the diseases and flares specifically, questions patients should ask their doctor when flares occur and a flare symptom tracker.(2)

"We've learned from patients and physicians that there is a need for outreach about what people living with inflammatory bowel diseases should know about flares," said Dave Riccio, Product Manager, Alaven Pharmaceutical. "Working with the CCFA to provide patients with another tool to fight against UC flares will help educate them on how to effectively manage their disease and treat unwanted flare symptoms when they strike."

Gastroenterologists interested in providing the flare brochure to UC patients may request copies at www.flarefighter.com.

The brochure will also be made available to CCFA patient chapters across the country and can be downloaded at www.ccfa.org or via www.RowasaKit.com. Patients experiencing flares and who would like additional support services may also visit the CCFA's community website at www.ccfacommunity.org.

ROWASA is indicated for the treatment of active mild to moderate distal ulcerative colitis, proctosigmoiditis, or proctitis.

Full Prescribing Information available: www.ROWASAKit.com.

*Wipe is optional and not a required part of treatment

**ROWASA is not indicated for the treatment of Crohn's Disease.


(1) Tindall WN, Boltri JM, Wihelm SM. Mild-to-Moderate Ulcerative Colitis: Your role in patient compliance and health care costs. JMCP. 2007;13(7): S1-S15.

(2) Managing Flares and Other IBD Symptoms. CCFA. April 2009.

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