Key Takeaways
- Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that requires long-term management to control inflammation and prevent complications.
- Oral medications are often used for mild to moderate Crohn’s disease but may not be strong enough for more severe cases.
- Infusion therapy delivers biologic medications directly into the bloodstream to target inflammation more precisely and may be more effective for moderate to severe Crohn’s disease.
- The right treatment depends on your symptoms, lifestyle, response to previous therapies, and your gastroenterologist’s guidance.
- Biologic infusion options for Crohn’s disease include Remicade® (infliximab), Entyvio® (vedolizumab), and Stelara® (ustekinumab).
- The Infusion Center at Denver Arthritis Clinic provides expert outpatient infusion therapy for Crohn’s disease in Denver (Lowry and Lone Tree). Talk to your gastroenterologist about a referral for infusion therapy to schedule your appointment today.
What Is Crohn’s Disease?
If you’ve ever searched “What is Crohn’s disease?” you’ve likely seen it described as a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Crohn’s disease causes ongoing inflammation anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus.
Unlike irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which does not involve inflammation, Crohn’s disease is an immune-mediated condition that can lead to structural damage in the digestive tract. According to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, inflammation can penetrate deep into the intestinal walls, increasing the risk of strictures, fistulas, and malnutrition.
Common Crohn’s Disease Symptoms
Crohn’s disease symptoms can vary from mild to severe and may include:
- Persistent diarrhea
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Reduced appetite
- Blood in the stool
- Nutritional deficiencies
Doctors often use lab work, imaging, endoscopy, and sometimes a Crohn’s disease blood test to evaluate inflammation levels and monitor disease activity.
Because Crohn’s is a lifelong condition, choosing the right Crohn’s disease treatment is critical for both symptom control and long-term health.
Crohn’s Disease Treatment Overview
Treatment goals for Crohn’s disease include:
- Reducing inflammation
- Achieving remission
- Preventing flare-ups
- Protecting intestinal tissue
- Improving quality of life
Two common treatment approaches include oral medications and infusion therapy. Understanding their differences can help you have an informed conversation with your gastroenterologist.
Oral Medications for Crohn’s Disease
Oral medications are frequently used as an initial treatment for mild to moderate Crohn’s disease.
Types of Oral Medications
- Aminosalicylates (5-ASAs) – Reduce inflammation in the digestive tract.
- Corticosteroids – Used short-term to control acute flares.
- Immunomodulators – Suppress immune system activity over time.
Pros of Oral Medications
- Convenient daily dosing at home
- Non-invasive
- Often effective for mild disease
- Familiar first-line option
Cons of Oral Medications
- May take weeks or months to work
- Steroids are not safe for long-term use
- Broad immune suppression may cause side effects
- May not adequately control moderate to severe disease
For patients whose symptoms persist despite oral therapy, a more targeted approach may be recommended.
What Is Infusion Therapy for Crohn’s Disease?
Infusion therapy involves administering biologic medications intravenously in a supervised outpatient setting. These medications specifically target the inflammatory pathways that drive Crohn’s disease.
The Infusion Center at Denver Arthritis Clinic offers infusion therapy for Crohn’s disease and other inflammatory bowel diseases in a comfortable outpatient environment in Denver. Learn more on the Inflammatory Bowel Diseases page.
Biologic Infusions Offered for Crohn’s Disease
The Infusion Center at Denver Arthritis Clinic provides advanced biologic therapies, including:
- Remicade® (infliximab)
- Entyvio® (vedolizumab)
- Stelara® (ustekinumab)
These biologics work by blocking specific proteins involved in inflammation. For example:
- Remicade targets tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a key inflammatory protein.
- Entyvio targets gut-specific inflammation.
- Stelara blocks inflammatory pathways involving interleukins.
These targeted mechanisms can help reduce symptoms, promote remission, and prevent long-term complications.
Infusion Therapy vs. Oral Medications: Key Differences
| Feature | Oral Medications | Infusion Therapy |
|---|---|---|
| Administration | Taken daily at home | Given IV at infusion center |
| Disease Severity | Mild to moderate | Moderate to severe |
| Onset of Action | May take weeks/months | Often faster response |
| Targeting | Broad immune suppression | Targeted inflammatory pathways |
| Monitoring | Routine office visits | Supervised infusion setting |
| Frequency | Daily | Every 4–8 weeks (varies) |
Infusion therapy may offer stronger disease control for patients whose symptoms remain active despite oral medications.
Effectiveness of Infusion Therapy for Severe Crohn’s Disease
For moderate to severe Crohn’s disease, biologic infusion therapy has been shown to:
- Reduce inflammation
- Decrease hospitalization rates
- Promote mucosal healing
- Lower the risk of complications
- Maintain long-term remission
Remicade infusions, for example, are typically administered every eight weeks after initial loading doses. Many patients begin noticing improvement within 2–6 weeks.
When other therapies have not worked, infusion therapy can provide a critical next step in disease management.
If you’re searching for “infusion therapy near me” in Denver, The Infusion Center at Denver Arthritis Clinic offers outpatient infusion services in Lowry and Lone Tree.
How to Decide Based on Your Symptoms and Lifestyle
Choosing between oral medications and infusion therapy depends on several factors:
Consider Your Disease Severity
- Are flares frequent or severe?
- Has imaging shown persistent inflammation?
- Have oral medications failed?
Consider Your Lifestyle
- Can you commit to infusion appointments every few weeks?
- Do you prefer supervised treatment rather than daily medication?
- Does your work schedule allow for infusion visits?
Consider Your Long-Term Goals
- Is your goal symptom control alone?
- Or are you aiming for full remission and intestinal healing?
A gastroenterologist evaluates your labs, imaging results, prior medication response, and symptom history before recommending advanced therapy.
When to Consult a Specialist for Personalized Advice
You should speak with your gastroenterologist if:
- Symptoms are not improving
- You are dependent on steroids
- You experience weight loss or malnutrition
- Flares are becoming more frequent
- You develop complications
If infusion therapy is recommended, ask your gastroenterologist about referring you to The Infusion Center at Denver Arthritis Clinic for outpatient infusion therapy.
The referral process is streamlined, and the center assists with insurance coordination and copay support. Learn more about the process on the How It Works page.
Receive Advanced Crohn’s Infusion Therapy in Denver
Managing Crohn’s disease requires the right balance between symptom control and long-term intestinal health. While oral medications may be effective for mild cases, infusion therapy offers targeted, advanced treatment for moderate to severe disease.
If your symptoms persist or worsen, talk to your gastroenterologist about a referral to The Infusion Center at Denver Arthritis Clinic for infusion therapy for Crohn’s disease. Schedule your infusion therapy consultation today by calling (303) 394-2828 or visiting. Expert outpatient infusion care is available in Lowry and Lone Tree.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crohn’s disease?
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation anywhere along the digestive tract, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue.
What are common Crohn’s disease symptoms?
Crohn’s disease symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal cramping, weight loss, fatigue, and sometimes blood in the stool. Symptoms may range from mild to severe.
How does infusion therapy help Crohn’s disease?
Infusion therapy delivers biologic medications directly into the bloodstream to target inflammation at the source. It can reduce symptoms, promote remission, and prevent complications in moderate to severe cases.
Is infusion therapy more effective than oral medications?
For moderate to severe Crohn’s disease, infusion therapy is often more effective than oral medications because it targets specific inflammatory pathways rather than broadly suppressing the immune system.
How do I get started with infusion therapy near me?
Speak with your gastroenterologist about a referral to The Infusion Center at Denver Arthritis Clinic. Once referred, the team assists with insurance authorization and scheduling.
