Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder in which the intestinal lining becomes severely inflamed. The Mayo Clinic says that signs of Crohn's disease include diarrhea, stomach pain or cramping, bloody stool, ulcers, unintentional weight loss and a poor appetite. Fatigue, arthritis, stomach pain and unexplained fever that lasts for more than a day are some other signs of Crohn's disease. Fortunately, drugs for Crohn's disease exist.
Sulfasalazine
Sulfasalazine, commonly sold as Azulfidine, is a medication that reduces such Crohn's disease symptoms as diarrhea and abdominal pain. According to MedlinePlus, its less concerning side effects include a headache, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain and a poor appetite. Some of sulfasalazine's serious side effects include a sore throat, swelling, muscle or joint aches, trouble swallowing, easy bleeding or bruising or weakness. Sometimes, this medication causes yellowing of the skin or eyes, a fever and a skin rash. Call a physician when sulfasalazine leads to these side effects. Sulfasalazine is a tablet taken four times daily.
Adalimunab
Adalimunab, commonly sold as Humira, is another medication that decreases the inflammation that occurs in Crohn's disease sufferers. Drugs.com says that adalimunab also treats psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, plaque psoriasis and ankylosing spondylitis. Its less serious side effects include sinus pain, stuffy nose, headache, nausea, and redness, pain, swelling and itching at the site where the medication is injected.
Some of adalimunab's serious side effects include trouble breathing, chest pain, coughing up of blood, mouth sores and yellowing of the eyes or skin. Sometimes, this drug causes confusion, seizures, muscle aches and vomiting. In some instances, adalimunab can lead to infection. Signs of infection include shortness of breath, a sore throat, chills and a fever. Phone a doctor when adalimunab leads to these effects. Adalimunab is an injection given every other week or as prescribed.
Natalizumab
Natalizumab, commonly sold as Tysabri, is a monoclonal antibody medication that helps reduce Crohn's disease symptoms. Specifically, natalizumab treats moderate to severe Crohn's disease. Drugs.com says that this drug also treats relapsing multiple sclerosis. Natalizumab's less concerning side effects include joint or muscle pain, depression, stomach pain, depression, menstrual cramps and fatigue. This medication's serious side effects include a poor appetite, itching, yellowing of the skin or eyes, vaginal discharge or itching and a lack of balance or coordination. Sometimes, natalizumab also leads to gum pain or swelling, body aches and yellowing of the skin or eyes. Consult a doctor when natalizumab leads to these effects. This medication is an intravenous injection given every four weeks.
