It’s Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week and we are joined by Mallory Schmoll, PharmD, Clinical Pharmacy Strategy at Walgreens. Mallory explains what IBD is, how it differs from irritable bowel syndromes (IBS), and the available treatments for patients. We also discuss the different types of remission, along with what it means to achieve remission, and questions to ask your doctor or pharmacist as you develop a treatment plan.

This episode was made possible with support from Walgreens. 

Among the highlights in this episode:

02:21: Mallory provides an overview of IBD, distinguishing it from IBS, and explains the characteristics of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC), including their autoimmune nature

04:47: Zoe discusses the importance of Crohn's and Colitis Awareness Week, sharing her personal experience with Crohn’s disease and emphasizing the community aspect in dealing with gastrointestinal (GI) conditions

06:26: Mallory addresses the challenges in diagnosing and treating IBD, including the time it takes to achieve an accurate diagnosis, individualized treatment plans, and the importance of achieving and maintaining remission

09:45: Zoe inquires about the trial-and-error phases in IBD treatment

12:14: Mallory outlines the various available treatment options for Crohn's and colitis, and the role of insurance and pharmacists in navigating these treatments

14:39: Mallory discusses biosimilars, their clinical equivalence to brand-name medications, and their potential to save costs for the health system and patients

16:24: Mallory highlights the role of supplements and vitamins in IBD treatment, emphasizing the importance of consulting health care providers before starting any new supplements to avoid interactions with prescription medications

17:22: Zoe and Mallory discuss the questions patients should ask their doctors about medications, emphasizing the importance of understanding risks and benefits to feel confident in managing their condition

18:39: Mallory explains the role of pharmacists in assisting patients with medication-related questions, insurance navigation and financial resources for copay assistance, encouraging them to utilize pharmacists as a resource and advocate

21:09 Mallory discusses how effective medication management can enhance the quality of life for patients with IBD

Contact Our Hosts

Steven Newmark, Director of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

Zoe Rothblatt, Associate Director, Community Outreach at GHLF: zrothblatt@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Manager of Programs & Special Projects at GHLF.

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