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New drug for inflammatory bowel disease listed on PBS

New drug for inflammatory bowel disease listed on PBS

A new treatment is helping ease the discomfort for tens of thousands of Australian suffering from an inflammatory bowel disease.

Ulcerative colitis occurs when the body’s immune system attaches to the lining of the large intestine, causing inflammation and severe pain.

About 40,000 Australians suffer from ulcerative colitis, and researchers predict that number will rise by almost 40 per cent within six years.

Previously, surgery was the only option in acute cases and involved removing the large bowel, leaving patients with a pouch on the abdomen.

A new drug called Remicade is now available on the pharmaceutical benefits scheme, and it can reduce symptoms within three days.

Hayley Eyers, 26, was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis four years ago.

“In your social life it can affect you,” she said.

“It is a bit uncomfortable, you think ‘is this normal for a young person?”

Bowel disease specialist Professor Jane Andrews said the listing of Remicade on the PBS would provide relief for many sufferers.

“Now to get guaranteed funding to give rescue therapy with this new drug, it’s fabulous,” she said.

For more information you can visit Gastro Central or Chron’s and Colitis Australia.