Aminosalicylates (5-ASAs): Anti-inflammatory
drugs that are used to treat mild to moderate Crohn’s disease. Medications may include
mesalamine, olsalazine, and balsalazide.1
Antibiotics: Antibiotics are used for Crohn's
patients who develop secondary GI infections.2
Anti-TNF: A class of biologic drugs that suppress
the immune system by de-activating a protein called tumor necrosis factor-alpha
(TNF-alpha) that has a role in causing inflammation in the intestines. Drugs include
infliximab, certolizumab pegol, and adalimumab.3
Biologics: Medications made from living organisms
and their products such as genes, proteins, and antibodies. Biologics target specialized
proteins called cytokines that are involved in inflammation.
Colon: The large intestine. The colon is made
up of several segments that include ascending, transverse, and descending colon
and the rectum.4
Corticosteroids: Fast-acting anti-inflammatory
drugs that are used to treat flare-ups in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), including
Crohn's. Corticosteroids are usually used as a short-term treatment.5
Crohn's disease: A chronic inflammatory bowel
disease that causes inflammation of the digestive system. Symptoms may include diarrhea,
rectal bleeding, and abdominal pain.6
Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI): A tool
used by physicians and researchers to measure Crohn's disease activity and response
to treatment.7
Flare-up: A time during which the disease is
actively causing symptoms. Flare-ups are often followed by periods of remission
when few or no symptoms are present.6
Gastrointestinal (GI) tract: The pathway from
the mouth to the anus through which food travels. Also called the digestive tract.8
Gastroenterologist: A doctor who specializes
in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.9
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): A condition
that causes chronic inflammation of the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, most
commonly in the colon. The two main types of IBD are Crohn's disease and ulcerative
colitis.10
Ileum: The lower end of the small intestine.11
Immune system: The body's system for protecting
the body from infection. Researchers believe that in Crohn's disease the immune
system mistakenly attacks normal microbes in the small and large intestines, which
then produces chronic inflammation, ulcerations, and injury to the bowel.6
Immunomodulators: Medications that weaken the
activity of the immune system to decrease inflammation. They are sometimes combined
with corticosteroids to treat disease flares. Medications include azathioprine and
6-mercaptopurine.12
Inflammation: Swelling and irritation. Crohn's
disease causes inflammation of the digestive, or gastrointestinal (GI) tract.7
Lyophilized: The process of freezing and dehydrating
a substance. When CIMZIA is given by a doctor or nurse it is in the form of a lyophilized
powder before it is mixed with sterile water and injected.13,14
PEGylation: A process of attaching a compound
called polyethylene glycol (PEG) to the molecules of a protein to extend the length
of time the drug stays in the body.16
Subcutaneous injection: An injection that is
given under the skin. Abbreviated subq.17
Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha): A protein
called a cytokine that plays a role in causing inflammation in the intestines in
Crohn's disease.3
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