Fig. 2. Recommended algorithm for the treatment of UC. Treatment algorithm for patients with mild-to-moderate or severe UC developed through consensus of an expert panel established by the Taiwan Society of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Recommendations were formulated after consideration of available evidence and expert opinion as well as the medical environment specific to Taiwan. ^aOral budesonide-MMX (9 mg/day) could be an alternative; ^bFor patients with acute severe UC, infliximab is better. 5-ASA, 5-aminosalicylic acid (mesalamine); Tx, treatment; AZA, azathioprine; 6-MP, 6-mercaptopurine; IV, intravenous; CMV, cytomegalovirus; MMX, Multi-Matrix System; TFDA, Taiwan Food and Drug Administration.