Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy > Conditions and therapies > Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease is a type of bowel disorder in which part of the digestive tract becomes inflamed (swollen). The inflammation may be in more than one area of the digestive tract. It may also extend deep into the tissue. Crohn's disease tends to run in families and may have a genetic link. It occurs more often in people living in big cities, for reasons that are not clearly understood.

Select any question to learn more about Crohn’s disease below:

What causes the condition?
What are the symptoms?
What medications are available?
What should I know while taking my medication?
Where can I find more information?
Healthy pointers

What causes the condition?

It is thought that the immune system plays a role in the swelling. Usually, the immune system keeps the body safe from infection. In Crohn's disease, the immune system sees bacteria that are normal to the digestive tract as foreign objects, so it attacks the bacteria. When the immune system attacks the digestive tract, a protein called tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) is released. TNF-alpha is what causes the swelling to occur.

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What are the symptoms?

Crohn's disease causes diarrhea (loose stools), stomach pain, ulcers, and weight loss. You may have these symptoms on and off. It is important to monitor and treat the condition, even when you have no symptoms. Left untreated, it can progress and cause more health problems.

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What medications are available?

Many medications can help with your symptoms. People with Crohn's disease may take anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, medications that suppress the immune system, or antibiotics. Biologic response modifiers (BRMs) are medications used for moderate to severe Crohn’s disease when the condition does not respond to other therapies.

BRMs target a specific part of the immune system to help decrease the swelling caused by Crohn’s disease. These medications are given by subcutaneous injection just under the skin or an intravenous infusion directly into a vein.

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What should I know while taking my medication?

By taking your medications, you will be able to keep your Crohn's disease under control. Many people go through long periods of time where they have no symptoms and then have an occasional flare-up.

If you are taking medication for Crohn’s disease:

• You will need to learn how to recognize and manage side effects, including knowing when to ask your doctor for help.
• You will need to know what to do when you have a flare-up.
• Be sure that you have received a tuberculosis test before you start taking a biologic response modifier (BRM).
• Let your doctor know if you are not feeling well, have a cold, or another infection. Taking a BRM can increase your chance of developing an infection. If you have an infection when you start taking a BRM, the infection may get worse.
• Avoid live vaccines when taking a BRM. Some examples of live vaccines include: FluMist® for influenza, Attenuvax® and MMR-II for measles, and RotaTeq® for rotavirus.

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Where can I find more information?

The more informed you are, the better you can manage your health. The following sites are considered highly reliable.

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/crohns/

Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America
www.ccfa.org

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Healthy pointers:

• Do not smoke. Smoking can cause your Crohn's disease to worsen.
• Avoid using over-the-counter pain relievers unless your doctor has recommended that you do so.
• Drink lots of fluids and avoid foods that make your symptoms worse. Limit dairy products and try low-fat foods.
• Maintain a good diet. Small meals help with intestinal cramping.
• Learn how to manage stress by doing regular exercise, yoga, or deep breathing.

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Inclusion of resources on this list does not imply endorsement by Walgreen Co. or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates. These resources should be used for general information and educational purposes only. Information provided by these resources should not replace necessary medical consultations with a qualified health or medical professional.

Information provided here does not constitute professional medical advice. Although it is intended to be accurate, neither Walgreen Co., its subsidiaries or affiliates, nor any other party assumes liability for loss or damage due to reliance on this material. If you have a medical question, consult your medical professional.