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Reducing Flares in Crohn's Disease: The Role of Biologics

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Reducing Flares in Crohn's Disease: The Role of Biologics

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Health Quiz

Crohn's Disease: Is It Time for a Biologic?

Crohn's disease can cause inflammation in the:

Large intestine

Small intestine

Rectum

Any of these
Crohn's is a long-term disease where symptoms may come and go. Treatment for Crohn's aims to:

Reduce your symptoms with as few side effects as possible

Get you into remission

Improve your quality of life

All of the above
Which of these lifestyle changes probably won't help your Crohn's symptoms?

Lowering fat in your diet

Eating more fiber

Reducing stress

Exercising
What complications can happen with Crohn's disease?

Bowel obstruction -- a blockage in the intestine

Ulcers or fistulas -- sores or abnormal "tunnels" between organs

Anal fissure -- tear or crack in the lower rectum

Arthritis

Any of these
To treat your Crohn's disease, your doctor may prescribe:

Drugs that reduce inflammation

Drugs that suppress the immune system

Antibiotics

All of the above
If you don't have symptoms of Crohn's for a while, you should:

Keep taking your Crohn's medication

Stop the medications, except during flares

Slowly lower the dose you're taking
After you're in remission, your doctor may prescribe a different medication. Why?

So you can skip doses occasionally

It's less expensive

To reduce side effects
Why would your doctor consider prescribing biologics to treat your Crohn's disease?

You have moderate to severe Crohn's and other medicines aren't helping.

The drugs you're taking aren't keeping you in remission.

Your maintenance medicines have unpleasant side effects.

All of the above.
How are biologics taken?

As a pill

As a liquid you drink

By IV drip or injection
The most common side effect of biologics is:

A reaction at the infusion or injection site

Tuberculosis

Blood disorders

Upper respiratory tract infections

Lymphoma
If your doctor is considering biologics for your Crohn's disease, you should tell her about:

Any other drugs, herbs, or supplements you take

Any history of infections

Any other medical conditions you have or have had

Any symptoms of heart failure, including shortness of breath or swelling in ankles or feet

All of these

Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD on September 08, 2011

Sources: Sources

SOURCES:

NIH National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: “Crohn’s Disease,”

Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America: “About Crohn’s Disease,” “Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: “Diet & Nutrition,” “Biologic Therapies,” “Maintenance Therapy,” “Corticosteroids.”

Present, D. New England Journal of Medicine, May 6, 1999; vol 340(18): pp 1398-1405.

Medscape CME: “Ongoing Issues in Biologic Therapy for Crohn's Disease: An Expert Interview With Miguel D. Regueiro, MD.”

WebMD: “Combination Therapy Treats Crohn's Disease,” “Crohn’s Disease Treatment: Common Medications for Treating Crohn’s.”

This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information:

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the WebMD Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.

Crohn's Disease and Biologics

Slideshow: Treating Flares
Slideshow: Managing Crohn's
Slideshow: Complications
Treatment Quiz
Treatment Options
Dos and Don'ts With Crohn's
Biologics and You
How Biologics Work
Tips After Diagnosis
Choosing a Biologic
Avoiding Flares
Medication Chart
Finding a Doctor
Paying for Biologics
Surgery for Crohn's
Crohn's Disease and Diet
Video: Crohn's Treatments

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