Copyright (c) 2008 Katie Kelley
Crohn's disease is often associated with an inflammation of the colon or small intestine within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The condition is considered discomforting and can cause side effects as related to the digestive system.
While much research is needed to better understand the somewhat mysterious condition, the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) attributed to the following:
* genes (a family's history of illnesses)
* an individuals immune system
* foreign substances such as antigens in the environment
According to the CCFA, many scientists believe that "the interaction of an outside agent (such as a virus or bacterium) with the body's immune system may trigger the disease." Unfortunately, if an individual has a weakened immune system and they also have a family history of Crohn?disease or ulcerative coliti, they are at a high risk for developing the disease.
The condition also effects individuals also suffering from common inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). According to research, there are between 500,000 and 1 million Americans currently suffering from Crohn's disease and of those individuals are between 15 and 35 years old.
Symptoms of Crohn's Disease
Unfortunately, there are a variety of signs and symptoms for Crohn's disease and the severity of these signs and symptoms can range depending on an individual?case, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). Some of the signs include:
* rectal bleeding
* weight loss
* arthritis
* skin problems
* fever
* cramps
* abdominal pain
* fatigue
* loss of appetite
* joint, eye, skin and liver issues
* anemia
* loose, watery or frequent bowel movements
* stunted growth in a child as well as delayed development
Treatments of Crohn's Disease
The NDDIC reported that Crohn's disease can be treated in several ways including nutritional supplements as well as prescription drugs, surgery or a combination of these. The following are potential drug treatments:
* anti-inflammation drugs
* cortisone or steroids
* immune system suppressors
* infliximabs (remicades)
* antibiotics
* anti-diarrheal and fluid replacements
Of these Crohn's disease treatments, the immunosuppresants have recently been linked to severe side effects among patients. Of the drugs, known as TNF inhibitors, are:
* Cimzia (certolizumab pegol)
* Enbrel (etanercept)
* Humira (adalimumab)
* Remicade (infliximab)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has linked the drugs to serious side effects ranging from potentially causing cancer among young adult and children-aged patients to patients developing fatal infections among those with weakened immune systems. The FDA is currently investigating these serious side effects, especially among one of the drug's known as Cimzia.
During a 10-year period, nearly 30 cases of cancer among young children and young adults has been reported, according to Reuters. Cimzia, along with the other TNF inhibitors, have not been recalled as of yet and individuals who are concerned with developing any of the side effects should seek medical attention immediately.
Additionally, it may be advisable to contact an experienced pharmaceutical lawyer to learn how to develop a Cimzia class action lawsuit to be potentially be awarded monetary compensation for the pain and discomfort that developed while taking the drug for Crohn's disease.
Crohn's disease is often associated with an inflammation of the colon or small intestine within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The condition is considered discomforting and can cause side effects as related to the digestive system.
While much research is needed to better understand the somewhat mysterious condition, the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) attributed to the following:
* genes (a family's history of illnesses)
* an individuals immune system
* foreign substances such as antigens in the environment
According to the CCFA, many scientists believe that "the interaction of an outside agent (such as a virus or bacterium) with the body's immune system may trigger the disease." Unfortunately, if an individual has a weakened immune system and they also have a family history of Crohn?disease or ulcerative coliti, they are at a high risk for developing the disease.
The condition also effects individuals also suffering from common inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). According to research, there are between 500,000 and 1 million Americans currently suffering from Crohn's disease and of those individuals are between 15 and 35 years old.
Symptoms of Crohn's Disease
Unfortunately, there are a variety of signs and symptoms for Crohn's disease and the severity of these signs and symptoms can range depending on an individual?case, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). Some of the signs include:
* rectal bleeding
* weight loss
* arthritis
* skin problems
* fever
* cramps
* abdominal pain
* fatigue
* loss of appetite
* joint, eye, skin and liver issues
* anemia
* loose, watery or frequent bowel movements
* stunted growth in a child as well as delayed development
Treatments of Crohn's Disease
The NDDIC reported that Crohn's disease can be treated in several ways including nutritional supplements as well as prescription drugs, surgery or a combination of these. The following are potential drug treatments:
* anti-inflammation drugs
* cortisone or steroids
* immune system suppressors
* infliximabs (remicades)
* antibiotics
* anti-diarrheal and fluid replacements
Of these Crohn's disease treatments, the immunosuppresants have recently been linked to severe side effects among patients. Of the drugs, known as TNF inhibitors, are:
* Cimzia (certolizumab pegol)
* Enbrel (etanercept)
* Humira (adalimumab)
* Remicade (infliximab)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has linked the drugs to serious side effects ranging from potentially causing cancer among young adult and children-aged patients to patients developing fatal infections among those with weakened immune systems. The FDA is currently investigating these serious side effects, especially among one of the drug's known as Cimzia.
During a 10-year period, nearly 30 cases of cancer among young children and young adults has been reported, according to Reuters. Cimzia, along with the other TNF inhibitors, have not been recalled as of yet and individuals who are concerned with developing any of the side effects should seek medical attention immediately.
Additionally, it may be advisable to contact an experienced pharmaceutical lawyer to learn how to develop a Cimzia class action lawsuit to be potentially be awarded monetary compensation for the pain and discomfort that developed while taking the drug for Crohn's disease.