🫃 Crohn's Disease

Commonly prescribed medications, what to avoid, and lifestyle guidance

📋 Overview

Crohn's is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease affecting any part of the digestive tract. It causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and weight loss. Treatment aims to achieve and maintain remission.

💊 Commonly Prescribed Medications

Mesalamine (Asacol, Pentasa)Aminosalicylate

For mild Crohn's colonic disease. Well tolerated.

Prednisone / BudesonideCorticosteroid

For acute flares. Budesonide has fewer systemic side effects. Not for long-term use.

Azathioprine / MercaptopurineImmunomodulator

Maintenance therapy. Takes 3-6 months to reach full effect.

Adalimumab (Humira) / Infliximab (Remicade)Biologic (Anti-TNF)

For moderate-severe Crohn's. Highly effective. Screen for TB before starting.

Ustekinumab (Stelara)Biologic

Newer biologic. Good if anti-TNF therapy failed.

🚫 What to Avoid

NSAIDs trigger Crohn's flares — use acetaminophen instead. Smoking significantly worsens Crohn's. Alcohol can trigger flares.

🥗 Lifestyle Tips

Low-residue diet during flares, food diary to identify triggers, small frequent meals, quit smoking, stress management.

📋 Important Note

Biologics have transformed Crohn's outcomes — do not delay starting them if moderate-severe disease. Regular colonoscopies needed due to increased cancer risk.

🔍 Check Drug Interactions