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5 recent highlights in IBD
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Recently published studies have demonstrated new developments in ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
In case you missed it, the editors of Healio Gastroenterology and Liver Disease have compiled a recap of some of our most recent popular articles involving inflammatory bowel disease, including an FDA Boxed Warning.
FDA approves boxed warning for Xeljanz in UC
The FDA recently issued a safety alert and approved new Boxed Warning for the 10-mg, twice-daily dosage of Xeljanz in patients with ulcerative colitis; the warning comes after increased blood clot and death risks were seen in a rheumatoid arthritis trial.
Additionally, the FDA alert states that the approved use of Xeljanz (tofacitinib, Pfizer) for UC should be limited to specific patients who are not treated effectively or who experience severe side effects with certain other medicines. READ MORE.
Lifetime costs of IBD care may be higher than previous estimates
Researchers from the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania estimated that the prevalent populations of patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis in the United States will incur more than $400 billion and $300 billion in lifetime total health care costs, respectively.
Gary R. Lichtenstein, MD, and colleagues wrote that previous studies have had wide-ranging estimates, from approximately $180,000 to $310,000 for adults with CD to about $237,000 for children with UC. However, those estimates did not take all relevant factors into account. READ MORE.
Remicade has not produced expected reductions in IBD hospitalizations
The introduction of Remicade as a therapy for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis has not reduced the rate of disease-related hospitalization or intestinal surgery as much as was anticipated, according to data published in Gut.
Sanjay K. Murthy, MD, FRCPC, MSc, of the University of Ottawa, and colleagues wrote that anti-TNFs like Remicade (infliximab, Janssen) have made major impact on IBD care but come with a price, becoming the biggest expenditure among patients with IBD. READ MORE.
Combination therapy use unchanged in IBD despite benefits
While recent studies have demonstrated its efficacy over anti-TNF monotherapy, use of combination therapy has remained unchanged over time, according to study results.
Charles N. Bernstein, MD, of the University of Manitoba IBD Clinical and Research Center, and colleagues wrote that there are some concerns with combination therapy, including opportunistic infections. READ MORE.
Stopping 5-ASA safe ly upon anti-TNF induction for Crohn’s disease
Discontinuing 5-aminosalicylate therapy after starting anti-TNF therapy did not heighten the risk for adverse clinical events among patients with Crohn’s disease, according to a study presented at Digestive Disease Week.
“5-aminosalycilates (5-ASA) are often used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease,” Ryan C. Ungaro, MD, from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, said during his presentation. “However, data suggests that 5-ASAs have limited efficacy in Crohn’s disease and generally are not recommended in clinical guidelines, both in the United States and Europe. Despite this, 5-ASA remain one of the more commonly prescribed medications for Crohn’s disease in the United States.” READ MORE.