While there is currently no cure for Crohn's disease there are many options currently available that are used often in combination to adequately treat Crohn's disease. Crohn's disease treatments can include things such as prescription medications, nutritional supplements, surgical intervention, or any combination of these treatments.



There are several categories of drugs to treat Crohn's disease as well. These include anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, immune system suppressors, Remicade, antibiotics, and even anti-diarrhea medications or fluid replacements as necessary.

So let's talk about each of these groups. First of all, the anti-inflammatory drugs are designed to help battle the inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract associated with Crohn's disease. Most often Crohn's disease sufferers are treated with a drug call Sulfasalazine. Patients who are unable to tolerate this medication because of adverse side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and heartburn may be started on other anti-inflammatory medications such as Pentasa, Dipentum, or Asacol.

Medications used to treat Crohn's disease may also include steroids. Typically this class of drugs provides very positive results. Generally steroids are started at a high dosage when the disease is at its worst and then the dosage is lower as symptoms become more controlled. This class of drugs has many side effects including making patients much more susceptible to infection.

Prescription medications that are designed to suppress the human immune system are also used to treat and manage Crohn's disease. These amines suppressing a drugs work by blocking the body's natural immune reaction that contributes to the inflammation of the G.I. tract. Side effects may include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and a lower resistance to being able to fight off an infection.

Another medication used to treat Crohn's disease is Remicade. This exciting medication is the first in a group of drugs that have been designed to block the body's inflammatory response. It has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of moderate to severe Crohn's that has not previously responded to traditional therapy. It was also approved by the FDA for the treatment of open in draining fistulas.

Antibiotics are also used for patients battling Crohn's disease. This group of medications is used to treat bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.

Another drug used to treat Crohn's disease is those in the anti-diarrheal class. It is a well-known fact that diarrhea and abdominal pain are associated with Crohn's disease. When the inflammation of the G.I. tract is well controlled the diarrhea and abdominal pain often eases. However, it may be necessary to include anti-diarrhea medications should gain control over the issue. If you have battled too much diarrhea it may be necessary to have IV fluid replacement therapy to re-balance the body's fluid and electrolytes.

Drugs to treat Crohn's disease are absolutely vital to the long-term management and health of those living with this condition on a daily basis. Working with your physician to find the best combination of therapies is the best of all plans.