by Christa Smith, MS, RD, LD | Jan 28, 2023 | Medications, Membership
Antidiarrheals Loperamide Safest of all the antidiarrheal drugs In Immodium Diphenoxylate Codeine **If having an active flare, should not be used. Inflammation is driving the diarrhea, it will only mask the issue. This can cause build up of more inflammation and...
by Christa Smith, MS, RD, LD | Jan 28, 2023 | Medications, Membership
Antibiotics kill bacteria, the word means “opposed to life.” Antibiotics are used in different scenarios in Crohn’s and colitis, such as when a fistula has developed, in pouchitis, or other infections. Types: Metronidazole (Flagyl) Destabilizes bacteria by...
by Christa Smith, MS, RD, LD | Jan 28, 2023 | Medications, Membership
Overview: Biologics are manufactured through a biological process (rather than chemical process, as in pharmaceutical drugs) using human, animal, or microorganism sources. In Crohn’s and colitis, Biologics bind up inflammatory signals and inhibit the immune system’s...
by Christa Smith, MS, RD, LD | Jan 28, 2023 | Medications, Membership
Overview: Immunomodulators are typically considered when patients aren’t achieving remission with steroids, aminosalicylates, or antibiotics. If your disease is severe, you may be offered immunomodulators as a first-line therapy. Immunomodulators decrease the...
by Christa Smith, MS, RD, LD | Jan 28, 2023 | Medications, Membership
Overview: Aminosalicylates do not suppress the immune system, so they reduce inflammation without decreasing the body’s ability to fight infection. They act locally on the bowel wall, so they produce less side effects. These are typically used as a first line therapy...