Does the use of biologics increase the risk of serious infections in IBD?

The answer is no. In fact, biologic therapy was found to have a variety of positive influences to the body. In recent studies, biologics appeared to significantly reduce risk of serious infections. Furthermore, biologics did not significantly heighten the risk of serious infections, which most studies defined as infections leading to hospitalization, intravenous antibiotic treatment, or death.

Can the use of Biologics actually help?

For those who suffer with IBD, symptoms can be severe and often seem disruptive to everyday life. Symptoms can include severe diarrhea, pain, bleeding, fatigue and weight loss in others.

To relieve these symptoms, many patients use Biologic therapies. The goal of this therapy is to reduce the inflammation that triggers your signs and symptoms. In the best cases, this may lead not only to symptom relief but also to long-term remission and reduced risks of complications. Biologic therapies are antibodies grown in the lab and work to target very specific molecules involved in the inflammatory process. These include: TNF blockers (adalimumab, infliximab, golimumab, others); integrin blockers (vedolizumab) and IL12/IL23 blocker (ustekinumab).

For more information regarding IBD therapies such as biologics, please contact your gastroenterologist.

Information retrieved from: AGA Journals: http://journalsblog.gastro.org/a-minimally-invasive-endoscopic-procedure-instead-of-bariatric-surgery/