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Treatment Options for Crohn's Disease

HUMIRA® (adalimumab) is a TNF (tumor necrosis factor) blocker that was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of moderate to severe Crohn's disease in adults who have not responded well to conventional therapy. HUMIRA is also approved for those adults who have lost response to, or are unable to tolerate REMICADE (infliximab). It can work fast - many patients experienced a response (significant difference in their symptoms) in just 4 weeks. In research studies of patients with Crohn's disease, HUMIRA helped relieve many of the symptoms of Crohn's disease, including painful cramps, persistent diarrhea and fatigue. It also helped patients experience remission (stop flare-ups for long periods of time). Patients with Crohn's disease take HUMIRA as an injection once every other week. Once your doctor shows you how to take HUMIRA, the injections can be taken in the convenience of your own home.

Despite advances in the medical treatment of Crohn's disease, surgery may be necessary to remove the diseased segment of bowel. Surgery is usually reserved for those in whom medical treatment has been ineffective. Other indications for surgery may include:

• permanent narrowing or an obstruction of the bowel
• development of a fistula between an involved segment and the bladder, vagina or skin
• infection in the area of the anus
• perforation of the bowel
• abscess (localized infection) within the abdomen

Surgery will result in remission but does not represent a cure of the disease. Most patients will have a recurrence of Crohn's disease after surgery and thus will require additional medical therapy.

Despite the serious nature of the disease, treatment often permits the person with Crohn's disease to lead an active and productive life with a normal lifespan. Dietary changes have not been shown to help treat Crohn's disease because diet does not appear to reduce the inflammation in the intestines. Because weight loss is common when Crohn's disease is active, it is important that patients maintain a healthy diet with adequate caloric intake. However, weight gain may only be successful after reducing the inflammation with prescription medications. If the bowel becomes narrowed (strictured) because of chronic Crohn's disease activity, then patients may be at risk of bowel obstruction. In this case, a low residue diet that eliminates non-digestible vegetables may be recommended. For all patients, stopping smoking is an important part of any therapy for this disease.

What Questions to ask Your Doctor About Crohn's Disease?

What medications are right for me?

What are the side effects of the medication?

Is there a link between Crohn's disease and colon cancer?

What is the chance that my children will get Crohn's disease?

Can I become pregnant if I have Crohn's disease?