How does ‘top and tailing’ help me?
The benefits of ‘top and tailing’
Depending on the type of UC you have been diagnosed with, you may be asked to use
a mesalazine enema alongside your oral mesalazine. This is commonly referred to as
‘top and tailing’.
‘Top and tailing’ helps the active ingredient to reach the parts of the colon where it is
needed most. This will increase your chance of a longer remission and of achieving
mucosal healing, compared with either treatment alone. 4,5
Mucosal healing is when the colon is completely free of inflammation and ulcers,
and is an important treatment goal recommended by The British Society of
Gastroenterology. It has been linked with the following benefits: 1,6
Helps to keep you in remission longer
Reduces the chance of you needing surgery (colectomy)
Reduces the risk of you developing colorectal cancer
Improves your quality of life by helping you resume your
usual activities and reducing any anxiety and depression