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treatment of crohn’s disease

Read and learn more about treatment of crohn’s disease. For more, visit the Crohn’s Disease website DrCrohns.org

Q: Does anyone know about Suboxone being used for treatment of crohn’s disease?
i was diagnosed with crohn’s disease about a year ago. nothing has worked for me except for prednisone, which causes very bad side effects after awhile so i can’t take it for more than 3 months at a time. i met a girl today that was telling me about how she has had crohn’s for 11 years now and her symptoms were even more severe than mine and prednisone was the only thing that worked for her other than oxycontin and perks, which i’m not on any pain meds, (and when she was laid off her insurance ran out and turned to heroin to kill the pain) until she started taking Suboxone. She has been part of a study group for it for 2 years now and she said it has finally been approved for not only helping with opiate abuse but also for crohn’s disease treatment. she said it is a life-saver and she feels like a normal person again and has energy and it’s as if she doesn’t even have crohn’s. does anyone know anything about Suboxone for crohn’s disease? the only thing i’m finding information about it being used for is drug abuse. i really want to tell my gi doctor about it. please help.

A: hi stoe, I am a crohn’s pt. for 25+ yrs. Have you check the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s site to see what they have to say about it?
Try calling their hotline, live chat, or posting the ? on their open forum to see if anyone else w/CD has heard of it.

CCFA’s main HQ is in NYC and they do tons of research on IBD and work w/many scientists/pharmacy techs etc. to find the cause, cure, and a better way to treat the disease until a permanent cure can be found.

good luck and definitely give CCFA a look into and call them.

Q: How do I transfer my Crohn’s Disease treatment to England’s National Health Service?
My doctor in America recently told me to transfer my treatment for Crohn’s Disease to the NHS in England since I’ve been studying here and living here for two and a half years, so I could only be under his care in America when I went home for visits.
I’m scared that the NHS will not offer my medication, Mercaptopurin, as a treatment option.
I am also concerned because this medication requires blood work to check for liver damage, but I have an intense fear of needles. This is eased by numbing medication prescribed to me in America, but I am pretty much positive that the NHS would not offer that? If this was the case, is it possible to buy things supplementally? I’m sorry, I’m so confused!
Since I live on scholarships , student loans, and a crappy job, private care is not much of an option.
I should have mentioned that I do have an NHS card / #, so I know I am able get access to care. I was confused where to go from there…

A: I have Crohn’s & can tell you for a fact that the NHS is NOT the lowest treatment you can get. Personally I dont take your drug but it is available. The only problem you may have is with eligibility:
This is from an immigration site. If you have an existing condition then even if you qualify for treatment it may not apply to pre-existing conditions.
I’d check with Citizens Advice(CAB) or your local GP
“However, eligibility under this category will not generally apply if the overseas resident came to the UK knowing that they needed medical care. The exception is if they were specifically referred to the UK for treatment under a reciprocal agreement.”

Q: No sexual arousal after Crohn’s Disease treatment?
I’m a bottom guy, over the course of a year I developed a Crohn’s Disease and it had taken a great deal of my daily activity, I lost almost a quarter of my body weight as in January I was only 82 lbs, while the treatment and medication have shown progressions, and I started to go back to work, the problem is I don’t feel any sexual arousal anymore, I wonder if it’s the disease or the medication but I can’t tell my doctor because I’m not out yet, I feel guilty towards my boyfriend who has gone from understanding to all grumpy lately. I feel so useless and unattractive. what should I do?

A: my aunt has crohn’s, i don’t know that it’s impacted her sexual life, but then it’s a slightly different situation for her.

my advice is to talk to your doctor, doctor patient confidentiality prevents him from outing you and you’ll get your answers from an informed source.

if you don’t want to do that, i’m in nursing school and i swear by webmd

Q: Treatment for Crohn’s Disease?
My boyfriend’s mother has crohn’s disease and she has had some problems with it. She recently took a vacation to visit us (12 hrs away), and the day she got back home she went to the hospital for chemotherapy treatments. She told my b/f that it was nothing to worry about that it was just treatment for her crohn’s. I don’t know much about crohn’s/treatments, but I have never heard of chemotherapy as a form of treatment for this disease. She has lied to him once before when she was having renal failure and she told him that it was just a simple kidney infection. Is chemotherapy a treatment used for crohn’s disease?

A: i think so. theorpy means cure.

Q: Does anyone have information on the use of injectable methotrexate for treatment of Crohn’s Disease?
My 15-year-old daughter is experiencing a severe Crohn’s Disease flare-up that has been resistant to several in- and out-patient medical therapies. Her G.I. doc now wants to try weekly, injectable methotrexate. Any information you can share? Thank you.

A: Methotrexate belongs to the class of drugs known as anti-metabolites. Antimetabolites impede the body’s natural chemical processes, such as DNA production and cell division. They are helpful in cancer treatments. The FDA is approving cancer treatments for Autoimmune Diseases such as Crohn’s. If you’re uncomfortable giving her a shot they do it in infusions. Before doing this, did your gastro say anything about Remicade or Humira? I have Crohn’s Disease and I’m on Remicade. If she is on 6 MP (Imuran) do not do this new drug. As you know she can only take Tylenol…that is about the basic that I can tell you off hand. I’m sorry she is in a flare, they’re trying to get mine back into remission and I hope they do the same for her. Good luck.

Pharmacy & Vet Tech/Crohnie

Q: For treatment of Crohn’s Disease (vs. Ulerative Colitis), do you recommend Prednisone or Entocort?
Since Crohn’s affects the whole digestive system (rather than the more localized areas in UC), I was wondering if any of you CD patients have had better (or at least adequate) flare treatment on Entocort, rather than on Prednisone. I’d love it if my daughter with CD could be treated with something other than Prednisone… Thank you.

A: I’ve had CD for about 10 years now. I was put on Entocort about a year and a half ago, and i love it! I have only had 2 flares since i’ve started taking it, and only had to be hospitalized for one. When the flares get acute, my doc puts me on the prednisone along with the entocort, but thats usually just for a two week period till everything calms down. As far as using Entocort for maintanence, i can’t say anything bad about it – I love it, its like a miracle drug to me!

Q: Has anybody been getting Remicade treatments for Crohn’s disease, but it is not working?
I have had three infusions and I feel nothing. Others have suggested that this has been a wonder of a drug for them.

A: Jasper,

I had remicade infusions for 7 years and in the beginning they worked really well for me but then they lost their effectiveness. From what I understand, it is a miracle medication for some but doesn’t help in the least for others. If it is not working for you, you could discuss the possibility of doing self injections of Humira. I know a few people who did terrible on the remicade but had great results with the Humira. For me the Humira didn’t work either but I hope that you find something that works for you. If you would like to discuss CD further just give me your yahoo messenger or email and I will get in touch with you. I have had CD for 14yrs and I am very knowledgeable about all the meds since I have been on them. :0) Best of luck with the CD, it is not an easy disease to live with.

Q: For treatment of severe Crohn’s Disease, what are the benefits/side-effects of cortisone vs mesalamine enemas?
At various times, my daughter has been on either cortisone or mesalamine daily enemas, to treat her severe Crohn’s Disease. Right now, it is the cortisone variety. What experiences have any of you Crohn’s patients had with benefits and/or side-effects of either of these treatments? Can cortisone enemas cause side-effects similar to those of oral prednisone (weight-gain, “moon face”…)? Thank you!
My daughter is in the care of a great gastro. practice at a regional children’s hospital. She does take a double-dose of Remicade, every eight weeks. Despite that, she was hospitalized all of November and was on the usual mega i.v. prednisone, TPN, etc. While in the hospital, they had her using some type of suppository and a mesalamine enema. Upon her discharge, they discontinued the suppository and prescribed a cortisone-based enema. She was able to start tapering down on her prednisone fro 60mg/day and is now at 15mg/day. This time around, her body hasn’t noticeably gained weight, but her face in huge. (Of course, I do not hint to that!). My question about the cortisone enemas boils down to whether her being on them could be prolonging the length of time for some of her prednisone-related side-effects to wan away, What are your thoughts?

A: Hi Elisabeth, if your daughter is in a big flare, why isn’t the GI trying Remicade, Humira, or Entocort to get things under control? Is she on any pain meds to be made comfortable? Make sure she is on something as she has that right to be.

When I was younger, I found that the enemas really didn’t help so I was on oral steroids until they stopped working at 80 mg and needed surgery to improve my quality of life.

Check out the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation for more information. They have live chats, a hotline, an open forum, plus they have meetings for kids under age 18 as well as their parents.

I know it’s hard to watch your child suffer, educate yourself, ask the GI questions or even attend a CCFA meeting to talk to those who are in the same boat as yourself. Best of luck to you.

In regards to your question 4 days ago:

If I were you:I’d attend one of the CCFA support meetings & ask the members about their experience w/these meds, and then I’d ask the GI or pharmacist. But that’s just me.

Q: where can we find best treatment in USA for Colitis or Crohn’s disease?
one of our friend’s son has a Colitis disease and we are looking for a help in USA, where can we find best treatment in USA, please help. thanks

A: Check sites like centerwatch to see what kinds of clinical trials are out there. Usually facilities who perform many clinical trials for specific diseases are the leaders in their field. Good luck.

Q: Do you have Crohn’s Disease or know of anyone that does??
I need to know some treatments for Crohn’s Disease or anything that is helpful to understand more about Crohn’s. I’m really confused because my brother has Crohn’s and he is extremely sick. I’m really scared because of his condition. Please help!! Anything is helpful!!

A: hi tina, i am a female crohn’s pt. dxed at the age of 12. I’ve had it for 23 yrs.

Have you checked out the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America’s website? They have tons of information ranging from how to treat it, diet, coping skills, surgery, how it’s dxed, to locating a local support chapter near you to educate pts. as well as their family/friends about IBD (inflammatory bowel disease).

They have a hotline as well as a live chat that is run by healthcare experts who are well versed in IBD. There is also a forum where anyone w/IBD or who has a family member with it can ask questions to others in the same situation.

Is your brother a candidate for the newer treatments like Remicade, Entocort, Humira, 6MP, Imuran, or Methotrexate? These are the meds most GIs are using seeing as steroids have serious side effects after being on them for a long time. Have him ask for pain medication such as Demerol, Tylenol 3, Darvocet as well as something for stomach spasms like Bentyl. He is entitled to be made comfortable until his CD gets into remission.

Feel free to email me if you have questions. I’ve been an active CCFA member for over 15 yrs. I wish your brother a speedy remission.

Q: Alternative medicine for Crohn’s Diesase treatment?
Do any of you know of or have tried effective alternative treatments for Crohn’s disease? Please be as specific as possible – I am looking for things that will help. Thanks

A: L-Glutamine, an amino acid that is the main source of energy for the mucosal cells that line the intestines, and helps them heal. Dosage is adjusted for each patient. The common dose range is 6 to 25 grams divided into 3 doses per day, 30 minutes before meals. Glutamine may increase T-cell attack in Crohn’s disease. In the Crohn’s patient glutamine may also be metabolized into citrulline, which is converted to arginine, a substrate for nitric oxide sythesis. Excessive nitric oxide has been shown to contribute to tissue injury and inflammation in Crohn’s disease. L-glutamine seems to be effective in ulcerative colitis.

A clinical study of ulcerative colitis patients demonstrated that feeding 30 g daily of glutamine-rich germinated barley foodstuff (GBF) for four weeks resulted in significant clinical and endoscopic improvement, independent of disease state. Disease exacerbation returned when GBF treatment was discontinued.

It has also been suggested that cabbage juice consumption may provide benefit to patients with gastric ulcers and gastritis, by virtue of its high glutamine content.

Q: Does anyone have Crohn’s disease, know anyone who has it, or know about it? Diagnosis, treatment, steroids?
I have serious digestive issues and the doctors can’t find the root of the problem. Crohn’s disease showed up positive in my blood but when they did a colonoscopy they couldn’t physically find it in my intestines. Does anyone here have it or know anyone who does, and how they were diagnosed? Symptoms? Treatment? I know a lot of people go on steroids as treatment, and I had a question about that…I heard they make you gain weight. Is it the actual steroid itself that makes you gain weight or is it the increased appetite?

A: Crohn’s is NOT caused by stress. Stress can make it act up though.

Steroids work for some but I would ask the doc to only use them for short-term use.

I have had CD since ‘98. I went through every medication and like one other person said, everyone is different. I was allergic to a lot of the meds. So I ended up having surgery in ‘03. Then the CD came back. Fortunately I am on a drug study and it is wonderful! I am being given Humira – which is already given for Rhumatoid Arthristis – and they are seeking the approval to make it available for prescribing to CD patients. I am SSSOOOOO much better now!

Unfortunately, with most patients, it is just a trial and error type thing. You will learn with foods set you off and which are safe to eat. I stopped worrying about weight issues because I could go anywhere from 150 to 110 in a single year. (I have all sorts of sizes of clothes stashed away.)

The place on the web that has helped me the most is www.healingwell.com. Check out their forums for Crohn’s Disease. There are many, many people there willing to help you with questions and they are a very caring group.

Good luck! If I can help you out any, just let me know!
gingerinala@yahoo.com

Q: Natural treatments for Crohn’s disease?
I’ve heard about taking peppermint oil capsules to alleviate stomach cramping and pain, and omega 3 fish oil to reduce inflammation of the intestines, but does anyone with Crohn’s know of/use any other types of natural treatments to alleviate any symptoms?
thank you Iixiois, that was entirely not the answer i was looking for.

A: Other things that are helpful are:

1. Curcumin – This is an extract found in turmeric which has anti-inflammatory properties. You can put turmeric into most cooked foods. Studies have shown that adding a bit of white pepper can increase the effectiveness of turmeric by 2000%. The scientific explanation is that TNF-alpha elevation is part of the inflammatory process involved in the pathogenesis of Crohn’s Disease. Curcumin, a flavonoid from Curcuma longa (turmeric) is a known inhibitor of TNF-alpha. An in vitro study found TNF-alpha increased intestinal permeability and curcumin inhibited the NFkappaB- induced-TNF-alpha-stimulated increase in intestinal permeability. Curcumin inhibits several of the cytokines and genes involved in the pathogenesis of Crohn’s Disease.

2. Combined prebiotic/probiotic therapy – One study using probiotics (75 billion colony forming units [CFU] daily) and prebiotics (psyllium 10 g daily) showed that high-dose probiotic and prebiotic co-therapy can be safely and effectively used for the treatment of active Crohn’s disease.

3. Herbal medicines – boswellia serrata and berberine have been proven effective in Chrohn’s treatment as well. Berberine is an active constituent of several botanicals, including goldenseal, Oregon grape, Coptis, and barberry

Once you are already suffering from a flare-up, there are certain foods to avoid until you are feeling better. They include: alcohol (mixed drinks, beer, wine), butter, mayonnaise, margarine, oils, carbonated beverages, coffee, tea, chocolate, corn husks, dairy products (if lactose intolerant), fatty foods (fried foods), foods high in fiber, gas-producing foods (lentils, beans, legumes, cabbage, broccoli, onions), nuts and seeds (peanut butter, other nut butters), raw fruits, raw vegetables
red meat and pork, spicy foods, whole grains and bran.

Good luck.

Q: treatments for crohn’s disease?
Anyone using 6-MP for the treatment of Crohn’s and if so how does it work for you?

A: I took it for about two years. It took a long time to work. It worked to a certain degree but lowered my immune system tremendously. Every cough and sneeze I would catch for people around me.
Once I got better, I tried more holistic approach to Crohns treatments.
You can read about Crohns treatments and medications:

http://www.journey-with-crohns-disease.com/crohns-disease-treatment.html

All the best to you

Q: How can you avoid putting on weight when on a course of steroids for Crohn’s disease?
My Girlfriend has been diagnosed with Crohn’s deisease and is due to start her treatment which will start with a course of steroids.

She is absolutely dreading putting on the weight that seems to come with this form of medication.

Does anyone know how much weight she can expect to put on and how she can avoid it?

Thanks for your help.

A: hi graeme, I am a female crohn’s pt. for 28 yrs. dxed at the age of 12. Many gastroenterologists are starting to shy away from steroids, Asacol, and Pentasa due to the serious side effects after a long period of time and the fact that they don’t really work to keep a pt. in remission.

Have your girlfriend ask her GI if she is a candidate for Entocort. It is a type of steroid BUT it doesn’t have the serioud side effects like steroids–weight gain, moon face, mood swings, bone thinning, & cataracts. It gets absorbed into the area where the inflammation is & doesn’t go into the blood stream like prednisone that causes side effects.

Other newer treatments are Remicade, Humira, 6MP, Imuran, or Methotrexate. If her MD is persistent on prescribing the prednisone, she should avoid anything, and I mean ANYTHING that has a very high sodium content. It’s the sodium that will cause the weight gain. I learned about this when I was 12 and on it for 13 yrs. until the other meds came out, then I was weaned off of it.

If you go to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, there is more information for you to check out including diet, meds, surgery, coping, women’s issues, as well as locating a local support chapter (highly recommended for you and her to educate yourselves & meet others in the same boat), plus CCFA has a live chat & hotline run by healthcare experts and a forum where anybody can post questions to others who have IBD (inflammatory Bowel Disease–aka Crohn’s or Ulcerative Colitis).

The key to this illness is to eat healthy when in remission, avoid smoking, avoid drinking alcohol, (both interfere with treatments & cause flare ups), exercise, and educating oneself.

Definitely have her see if she is a candidate for the better treatments. Good luck.

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