The condition and the treatments
Ulcerative colitis is a long-term condition in which the lining of the large intestine becomes inflamed. The commonest symptoms include bloody diarrhoea, abdominal (tummy) pain and needing to empty your bowels frequently. Conventional therapy includes corticosteroids and the drugs called mercaptopurine and azathioprine. Surgery to remove part of the large intestine may be an option if medicines do not work well enough.
Vedolizumab (Entyvio) reduces inflammation of the intestine, easing the symptoms.
NHS Choices (www.nhs.uk) may be a good place to find out more.