Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory condition of the small bowel that has a multi-faceted etiology (genetic, immune system, and environmental) and creates a miserable array of symptoms (diarrhea, cramping, rectal bleeding, weight loss, etc.). Life with crohn’s requires a close relationship with a gastrointestinal specialist and more than likely, numerous anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs.
Your specialist may want to continue some of the medications you are on plus try a biological therapy, called Remicade. It can only be administered through an IV and it takes two hours. Initially, you will need to come frequently, but if it works for you, you will be able to “maintain” with IV therapy every eight weeks. That’s why it is nice to have a place you can “call home” during these therapies.
Remicade reduces the inflammation in your body by blocking a protein called TNF-alpha protein. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) is a protein made by blood cells in your body that is part of our immune system and inflammatory system. Anti-TNF therapy which can help your disease, but can also make you more prone to infections. That’s why careful screening needs to be done. Together, with your specialist, we will screen you for your exposure or risk of tuberculosis, fungal diseases of the lungs, or hepatitis.
The most frequent side effect of getting Remicade is an upper respiratory tract infection, sinus infection, sore throat, headache, rash, cough, or stomach pain.
(Ulcerative colitis is also an inflammatory bowel disease but affects the large bowel and rectum. It also is sometimes treated successfully with Remicade.)