Gastrointestinal

Infusions for Gastrointestinal Disorders:

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It causes inflammation of the lining of your digestive tract, which can lead to abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss and malnutrition. Inflammation caused by Crohn’s disease can involve different areas of the digestive tract in different people.

The inflammation caused by Crohn’s disease often spreads deep into the layers of affected bowel tissue. Crohn’s disease can be both painful and debilitating, and sometimes may lead to life-threatening complications.

While there’s no known cure for Crohn’s disease, therapies can greatly reduce its signs and symptoms and even bring about long-term remission. With treatment, many people with Crohn’s disease are able to function well.

• Infliximab (Remicade) – these drugs, called TNF inhibitors or “biologics,” work by neutralizing an immune system protein known as tumor necrosis factor (TNF). They are used for adults and children with moderate to severe Crohn’s disease to reduce signs and symptoms. They also may induce remission. Researchers continue to study these drugs to compare their benefits.
• Vedolizumab (Entyvio) – these drugs work by stopping certain immune cell molecules — integrins — from binding to other cells in your intestinal lining. Vedolizumab recently was approved for Crohn’s disease. It works like natalizumab but appears not to carry a risk of brain disease.
• Ulcerative colitis treatment usually involves either drug therapy or surgery.
• Several categories of drugs may be effective in treating ulcerative colitis. The type you take will depend on the severity of your condition. The drugs that work well for some people may not work for others, so it may take time to find a medication that helps you. In addition, because some drugs have serious side effects, you’ll need to weigh the benefits and risks of any treatment.
• Infliximab (Remicade) – these drugs, called tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha inhibitors, or “biologics,” work by neutralizing a protein produced by your immune system. They are for people with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis who don’t respond to or can’t tolerate other treatments. People with certain conditions can’t take TNF-alpha inhibitors. Tuberculosis and other serious infections have been associated with the use of immunosuppressant drugs. These drugs also are associated with a small risk of developing certain cancers such as lymphoma and skin cancers.
• Vedolizumab (Entyvio) – this medication was recently approved for treatment of ulcerative colitis for people who don’t respond to or can’t tolerate biologics and other treatments. It works by blocking inflammatory cells from getting to the site of infection. It is also associated with a small risk of infection and cancer.