New Treatment Option for Symptoms of Crohn's Disease

The FDA has given the green light to Risankizumab (SKYRIZI) for the treatment of active Crohn’s disease, giving an additional treatment option for those suffering with its often life-altering symptoms.

Currently on the market as a treatment for moderate to severe forms of plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, Risankizumab is a monoclonal antibody treatment that blocks the protein IL-23. This protein affects the immune response and plays an important role in the development of chronic inflammation. Findings in the clinical trials show the drug works fast and can be used as a first-line treatment for slowing the progression of symptoms of those in the early stages of Crohn’s, as well as maintenance of remission in patients with moderate to severe active forms of the disease.

Crohn’s disease is a chronic, inflammatory bowel disease that causes chronic diarrhea often accompanied with severe abdominal pain. Its symptoms can be unpredictable, debilitating and can include fever, fatigue, rectal bleeding, weight loss and blood in the stool.

Those suffering from Crohn’s can also experience symptoms outside of the GI tract that can affect their overall health and quality of life including:

• Mouth sores

• Vision changes

• Swollen and painful joints

• Bumps, sores and rashes on the skin

While the cause of Crohn’s is not well understood and the disease can occur at any age, it is most prevalent in those between the ages of 15 and 35 years old, affecting men and women equally. Stress and diet can aggravate the symptoms of the disease, but do not cause it. Genetic and hereditary factors can contribute to the development of Crohn’s.

If you have any of the signs or symptoms of Crohn’s or have a family history of the disease, talk your doctor about diagnosis and treatment options.

Casey Chapman, MD
Gastroenterology
Crohn's & Colitis Center
(225) 387-7077

Ray Scott Daugherty, Jr., MD
Colon and Rectal Surgery 
Baton Rouge General Physician - Colon and Rectal Associates 
(225) 333-3800