Should I never stop medications for ulcerative colitis?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 70 years old and sometimes wonder if I can get a break from taking pills. I have been living with flares and remissions of ulcerative colitis for decades now, and honestly, I am tired.

I have been stable for a while, and the side effects seem harder to tolerate than before. I worry about infections, kidney problems, and long-term risks, but I am also afraid that a severe flare could land me in the hospital.

Should I really never stop taking medications, even at the age of 70?
Does age change the balance between risks and benefits at all?
How do doctors decide when maintenance medications are still necessary versus when they may be considered overtreatment?

I just want some peace of mind without risking everything falling apart again.

Kindly advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and am sorry to hear about your discomfort.

At the age of 70, it is reasonable to review whether you still need the same medications, especially if you have been stable for a long time and are experiencing side effects.

Advancing age can increase concerns such as infections, kidney problems, and interactions with other medications. Therefore, the balance between benefits and risks may change over time.

However, being in remission often indicates that the treatment is helping to keep the disease under control. Completely stopping medication can sometimes lead to an ulcerative colitis flare, which may be more difficult to recover from than managing the medication-related side effects.

Your treating doctor will consider factors such as how long you have been stable, your test results, your overall health, and the specific medication you are taking.

In some cases, the dose may be reduced, treatment intervals may be extended, or a safer alternative may be considered instead of stopping all medications. The safest approach is to discuss any medication changes with your specialist rather than discontinuing them on your own.

I hope this is clear, and if you have any questions at any time, please feel free to ask.

Thank you.