Treating Crohn's Disease

GI tract diagramCrohn’s disease is a disease in the family of inflammatory bowel diseases (ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome are two others). Crohn’s disease is a chronic disorder, and while it does not go away, there are often episodes of remission, some of which can last several years. Remission and the prevention of relapse are the primary goals of treatment. Crohn’s disease is an ongoing disorder that causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract (also called the digestive tract). The inflammatory damage can happen anywhere along the entire GI tract — from a person’s mouth to the anal area — but most often affects the lower part of the small intestine. The exact cause of Crohn’s disease is unknown, but it appears to have an auto-immune component (the immune system mistakenly attacks normal body tissue).

Crohn’s disease can manifest itself in several ways. The inflammation and damage can extend through all the layers of the intestine in the affected area, or it can be contained to affected areas alternating with areas of healthy bowel. Because of the damage to the intestine, patients often have symptoms of abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, weight loss, malnutrition and anemia.

Patients may also develop blockages in their intestine. This is because inflammation leads to swelling and scarring which narrows the intestinal path. Some patients develop ulcers which can tunnel from the intestine to the skin or other parts of the body. These are called fistulas and they may require surgery.

Therapy Support & Medications

There are several treatment options that may help control the disease and cause a remission.  These treatments include medications such as immunosuppressive drugs, steroids,  drugs that modulate the immune system, enteral nutrition (tube feeding) and biologic response modifiers (biologics). Total Parenteral Nutrition also is used as a treatment when complete bowel rest is indicated, or when oral or enteral nutrition is not sufficient to meet nutrition needs. and biologic response modifiers (biologics).

Your Partner in Therapeutic Success

CoramRx maximizes compliance, minimizes complications and helps patients achieve therapeutic success in the most cost-efficient and clinically effective way possible. One week prior to each prescription dispense, you will receive a refill reminder phone call. To help ensure success with your therapy, your pharmacy department team member will ask a series of clinical monitoring questions related to: compliance with prescribed therapy, drug side effects, hospitalizations, changes in medication profile, disease status and effectiveness of prescribed therapy.

Patient Resources

The organizations listed below offer a variety of services and resources for consumers and caregivers. Please note that some organizations may charge a fee for access to services. This listing is not an endorsement of these organizations, or information they may disseminate. We strongly suggest you discuss any information you receive from these organizations with a qualified professional before making any changes in your healthcare, insurance coverage or home care provider.

Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America

Crohn's Disease on the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health

FDA: Disposing Unused Medication — government guidelines for disposing unused medicine. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) worked with the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to develop the first consumer guidance for proper disposal of prescription drugs.

WeNourish.com — The Nourish™ Nutrition Support Program provides home parenteral (TPN) and enteral (tube feeding) support to individuals who cannot consume or absorb nutrients through regular food intake.

Learn More

  • To learn more about your options for managing Crohns' Disease and about CoramRx , please contact us.
  • To enroll as a patient with CoramRx, please complete our Patient Enrollment Form.

*Please contact CoramRx about other therapies not listed here.