Best treatments for crohn disease

Understanding crohn disease

Crohn's disease is a chronic (long-lasting) disease that causes inflammation in the digestive tract. According to MedlinePlus (NLM), it can affect any part of the digestive tract, which runs from the mouth to the anus, but it usually affects the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine. The most common symptoms, per NIDDK, are diarrhea, cramping and pain in the abdomen, and weight loss; other possible symptoms include anemia, fatigue, fever, joint pain, nausea, appetite loss, vomiting, eye redness or pain, and skin changes such as red, tender bumps. Doctors aren't certain of the exact cause but think an abnormal immune reaction, genes, the environment, and the microbiome play a role; NIDDK notes research has shown smoking may double your chance of developing Crohn's disease. To diagnose it, doctors review your medical and family history, perform a physical exam, and order tests such as blood tests, stool tests, endoscopy (like colonoscopy or upper GI endoscopy), and imaging such as CT scans or MRI; NIDDK says endoscopy tests are the most accurate way to diagnose Crohn's disease. Doctors treat it with medicines and surgery to lower inflammation in the intestines, prevent flares of symptoms, and keep you in remission. There is no cure for Crohn's disease, but treatments can decrease inflammation, relieve symptoms, and prevent complications. This is general information, not medical advice.

Frequently asked

What treats crohn disease?

Our catalog lists 35 products that may treat crohn disease, based on NIH RxClass (MED-RT “may treat”) drug-classification data — not the verbatim FDA label. They're rated where FDA recall-safety data exists; the current top-rated option is amjevita.

What is the best-rated treatment for crohn disease?

By our independent recall-safety rating — not an efficacy measure — amjevita ranks highest among the products we list for crohn disease. Always consult a professional.

How are these treatments ranked?

By our independent score, currently based on FDA regulatory recall-safety data (the methodology blends additional sources as they come online). See the How we rate page.

What types of drugs treat crohn disease?

Treatments for crohn disease span FDA drug classes including tumor necrosis factor blocker, interleukin-12 antagonist, interleukin-23 antagonist, folate analog metabolic inhibitor, anthrax protective antigen-directed antibody. Compare every option side by side, ranked by independent rating, above.

Treatment associations are derived from NIH RxClass (MED-RT “may treat”) drug-classification data — not the verbatim FDA label. This is general reference, not medical advice — always consult a licensed professional.