Inflammatory bowel disease refers to ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. These conditions are characterized by gastrointestinal inflammation that originates when the body's immune system attacks normal intestinal cells. Inflammatory bowel disease most frequently occurs in people between the ages of 10 and 30. The online journal "Pharmacy Times" reports that there is group of biologics that can treat inflammatory bowel disease by blocking the effects of tumor necrosis factor-a, an inflammatory substance that may play a causative role in the disease.
Infliximab
Infliximab, a monoclonal antibody, can treat Crohn's disease in children and adults, and ulcerative colitis in adults, says the Mayo Clinic's website. The medication is available by prescription only and a health care professional administers it to patients via a slow intravenous infusion. During treatment with infliximab, patients should regularly visit their doctor for heart checkups and to make sure the drug is working properly. Infliximab may cause severe skin reactions that show up as blistering, peeling, skin lesions, white spots in the mouth or on the lips and unusual fatigue and weakness.
Certolizumab Pegol
According to Drug.com, certolizumab pegol is a prescription monoclonal antibody medication that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2008 for the alleviation of the symptoms of Crohn's disease in adult patients who have not responded well to conventional therapy. It works by blocking the inflammatory effects of tumor necrosis factor alpha. Certolizumab is administered by subcutaneous injection into the abdomen or thigh. At the start of therapy, patients receive 400 mg followed by the same dose after two weeks and four weeks. Taking certolizumab in combination with immunosuppressants such as corticosteroids or methotrexate makes the patient susceptible to serious bacterial, viral or fungal infections. Other side effects include hypertension, headache, rash and reactions at the site of injection.
Adalimumab
Adalimumab is an injectable synthetic protein that doctors prescribe for the treatment of Crohn's disease in patients who have not improved after treatment with other medications such as infliximab, corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. It is supplied as a solution in pre-filled syringes for subcutaneous injection by the patient once every other week, according to Medline Plus. Patients should administer the injection on the front of their thighs or stomachs and use a different place for each injection. It is important to keep in mind that treatment with adalimumab may compromise the patient's ability to fight infection and increase the chances that the patient will get a serious infection.
