Crones Disease: Side Effects of Medicines: Summary

Medicaments for Crones Disease have strong side effects. Some even actually worsen the underlying cause, and you have to take more and stronger medicines to stay ahead of the worsening symptoms. If we approach the illnes from a totally different angle, possibilities suddenly arise in unexpected ways.

Medicines are the most common Crones disease treatment. While none can cure this inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), they are used to try to reduce the swelling that causes the symptoms. The most frequently used medicines for Crones disease are Aminosalicylates and Corticosteroids to Block Inflammation, Antibiotics to Control Intestinal Bacteria, Immunomodulators to Calm the Immune System, and Biologic Therapies for Moderate or Severe Crones disease. Brand names of these medicines are (amongst others): - Aminosalicylates : Mesalamine (Asacol, Pentasa), Balsalazide (Dipentum), Olsalazine (Colazal) - Corticosteroids: Prednisone (Deltasone), Budesonide (Entocort EC) , Hydrocortisone, Methylprednisolone (Medrol) - Antibiotics: Ciprofloxacin (Cipro), Metronidazole (Flagyl) Immunomodulators: Azathioprine (Imuran, Azasan),6-mercaptopurine (Purinethol, 6-MP), Methotrexate (MTX, Rheumatrex, Mexate) , Tacrolimus (Prograf), Cyclosporine A (Sandimmune, Neoral) - Biologic Therapies: Infliximab (Remicade), Adalimumab (Humira).

Allopathic (mainstream) doctors rely on these medicines to control the symptoms of Crones disease although they know that none of these medicines will actually cure the underlying cause. If we read about the side effects these medicines have, we might want to give the whole matter another thought: Diarrhea Headache, dizziness Increased risk of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract Indigestion, nausea, gas Hair loss Rash Decrease in white blood cells High blood pressure Mood swings, psychosis, insomnia Weight gain, moon facies Acne, increased facial hair, stretch marks Increased risk of infection Osteoporosis Vomiting Cough Sinus infections Sore throat

The problem of the Biologic Therapies is not only the side effects, but also the frequent injections (up to every 2 hours). The other medicines are normally taken orally, but can also be applied more locally targeted, in the form of enemas and suppositories.

Corticosteroids are sometimes given intravenously. Their side effects are severe, and on the long run they can for example lessen your bone denseness and cause osteoporosis. If you want to stop taking them, you have to do that gradually, because otherwise the symptoms might worsen. I do not like to think what happens in my body if a medicine actually makes the condition worse...

Antibiotics are known to be bad for you intestines. Even my vet prescribes probiotics to my dog if she has to take antibiotics to maintain the level of good bacteria in the gut as high as possible. If you take antibiotics over a longer period of time, or you take antibiotics with regular intervals, your natural bacteria level in your gut will be very low; good bacteria and bad bacteria. If you have a low level of good bacteria, your gut is missing it's natural shield against attacks of bad bacteria, and the question is if this actually is not worsening the overall situation.

Immunomodulators blunt the immune response. Researchers believe that Crones disease is caused by an overreactive immune system, and doctors use these medicines when other drugs to block swelling haven't worked. They are used for patients who have developed complications like fistulas. Immunomodulators may make corticosteroids more effective and allow you to take lower doses of them. Most immunomodulators are taken orally, but some are injected. They tend to be more expensive than standard Crones disease treatments such as aminosalicylates. Since these drugs suppress the immune system, they can put you at higher risk of developing infections or other illnesses. It is advisable to take regular blood tests to check the effects of these drugs on your bone marrow, liver and kidneys.

Biologic Therapies are the newest, and most expensive type of Crones disease treatment. "These Crones disease treatments are used to treat moderate to severe cases that haven't responded to other treatments. They can be used for initial treatment and then to maintain remission. Biologic therapies are powerful drugs and they do have side effects. Because they suppress the immune response, biologic therapies can leave you at risk for infections. There is some evidence that they increase the risk of conditions like blood infections, tuberculosis, and lymphoma. These risks are generally considered small, but you should talk with your doctor about pros and cons. Biologic therapies are not right for everyone." (source: http://www.webmd.com)

Apart from the above mentioned medicines, you will probably have to take medicines against diarrhea and fluid loss form time to time. Medications for Crones disease can interact with common drugs like birth control pills, antacids, and even vitamins.

It is clear that an alternative way to boost our immune system and stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria in our gut would be more than welcome. Initially as an extra way to improve our health, and if possible later as a substitute for the mentioned treatments.

Article Source: http://www.articlemonk.com

Crones Disease is bad enough, and you don't want more problems and discomfort due to side effects of medicaments. Learn here how to take a different approach and instead of worsening your Crones Disease, treat the underlying cause.

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