Friday, May 29, 2009

New post surgery treatment findings

The American Gastroenterological Association, the leading expert in Crohn's and other intestinal diseases released news recently that drug therapy following surgery can greatly reduce the chance of reoccurring flare ups.

The studies have shown that using the drug infliximab has been found to be effective preventing the re-inflammation of the intestines that commonly can happen after surgery for many Crohn's patients.

Surgery, which is necessary for nearly 75% of those that suffer from Crohn's disease, is often hoped to be the final solution to the painful and in some cases debilitating chronic illness. However, as many patients sadly discover, this mysterious disease can reoccur in previously healthy areas of the colon and small intestine. This acts as a depressing set back to someone who has come so far.

This discovery offers a great hope to those with upcoming surgeries as well as post surgical Crohn's patients.

A press release from the AGA quoted Miguel Regueiro, MD, of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. "Our study provides strong evidence that infliximab is effective at preventing endoscopic, clinical and histological postoperative recurrence of Crohn's disease, and provides a rationale for aggressive postoperative chemoprevention with biologic therapy, We are encouraged by our findings, which warrant future study of the duration of post-operative infliximab maintenance and appropriate endoscopic follow up."

The study, which can be read on the website gives the following post-study information:

At one year, the rate of endoscopic recurrence was significantly lower in the infliximab group (9.1 percent) compared to the placebo group (84.6 percent). There was a non-significant higher proportion of patients in clinical remission in the infliximab group (80 percent) compared to the placebo group (53.8 percent). The histological recurrence rate at one year was significantly lower in the infliximab group (27.3 percent) compared to the placebo group (84.6 percent).

Even to the casual reader, 9 percent compared to 84 percent is a vast improvement. This represents nearly a complete difference in the quality of life someone coming out of surgery can expect to have.


From a personal perspective, this is a great advancement for someone who is going through this disease. Post surgery, my own Crohn's disease reoccurred within a few short month, which was nothing short of devastating. I was fortunate to have a treatment provider that stays current on recent developments and was able to start me on this particular regimen, which to date has greatly improved my quality of life.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Patient assistance programs

With the recent economic times, money is short in many people's lives. With it being more and more difficult to afford medications, new additions to assistance programs for Crohn's disease warrant discussion.

Those of us with Crohn's disease have all quickly learned, it can be an expensive going through a flare or trying to maintain health during an off period.

I am confident that, if I had kept all the receipts that I have spent thousands of dollars (this is out of pocket not insurance) on medications, doctors visits, travel to and from clinics, as well as hospital stays and emergencies, not to mention the astronomical cost of surgery, which is the last (though sadly only) resort for those with severe cases of Crohn's.

With this in mind, it would be prudent to share with the general Crohn’s suffering public, programs that are out there to assist those with lower incomes that are dealing with this often debilitating disease.

In my own experience I have found these programs to be a life saver, in a very literal sense. I would encourage those who are eligible to put forth the time and effort necessary to apply, be approved and participate in these programs for the benefit of yourself and your family.

For some this might require a small amount of humility and willingness to be helped, as the process requires full disclosure of financial status that, to some, is of a personal sensitive nature. Remember, Crohn’s is a disease that can take all you have, and without help and support can be nearly impossible to manage.

Currently, I use Humira, a biological injection pen once every week as part of my Crohn’s regimen. This would not be possible without the Abbott Foundations (the makers of the drug) Patient Assistance Program, as the medicine cost approximately $5,000 per month, quite unaffordable without insurance or out of pocket.

For those who are currently on Humira and not participating in the program, I would strongly encourage you to do so. See http://www.myhumira.com/InsuranceHelp/Default.aspx for more information on HUMIRA

The pen and syringe form of Humira (left)






Additionally other commonly used medications for mild, moderate and severe Crohn’s have programs to make them more affordable to literally free.

Asacol, a mesalamine delayed release tablet, (which at one time I was taking 12 of a day) can be a great tool in the fight against flare ups. The patient assistance program of this medication is another excellent resource. See http://www.pgpharma.com/patient_assistance.shtml for more information on ASACOL

Asacol tablets (left)


Remicade, another biological therapy, made from mice antibodies, can be attained from an excellent patient assistance program, which not only helps with getting the medication, but in my opinion and experience, has the best follow up programs to check on your progress and needs while receiving treatment (which is administered through IV infusion) See http://www.remicade.com/remicade/global/getting_support/insurance_information.html for more information on REMICADE



While I have mentioned only a few medications that might be used to treat Crohn’s disease, there are many other avenues to receive different medications and treatments. I would again strongly encourage one to explore all these options before discounting oneself to having access to these benefits.

If there are any out there that have found more medications with assistance programs, please post them here for others to enjoy the benefits of. Additionally if anyone has heard small pieces of news, leave comments and I’ll do my best to look into it and give timely updates on what I can find from the most reputable sources.