WHEN SHOULD WE BE USING 5-AMINOSALICYLIC ACIDS IN IBD? HOW DO YOU OPTIMIZE THEIR USE?

5-aminosalicylic acids (5-ASAs) are one of the oldest therapies available for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and are the main “foundational” therapy for induction and maintenance of mild to moderately active ulcerative colitis (UC). Although once widely used for the treatment of Crohn’s disease (CD), evidence suggests that there is a limited (if any) role for their use in CD. 5-ASA is a very safe drug with a wide dosing range and relatively few adverse effects; given their frequent use, it is necessary to understand the different delivery systems, dosing, indications, and potential side effects of these medications.