Mary Anne Dunkin Louise Chang, MD Two decades ago, if you had
moderate to severe Crohn's, there were few treatment options. In
the late 1990s, however, the first in a new class of treatment
options emerged for Crohn's disease. Referred to as biologic
response modifiers, biologic agents, or simply biologics, these
drugs target specific parts of an overactive immune system to
reduce inflammation. Biologics not only relieve Crohn's symptoms
but also can bring about remission and keep you in remission.
They are indicated for use when someone has moderately to
severely active Crohn’s disease and has not responded well to
other Crohn’s disease treatments. Many people with Crohn's now
live with significantly fewer symptoms, but may worry about side
effects. Here's a look at the risks and benefits of biologics.
In Crohn's disease, an overactive immune system causes
inflammation and damage to the digestive tract. Made from living
organisms, biologics work just like substances made by the
body’s immune system and can h