Crohn’s & Colitis Glossary

Immunosuppressive

A type of drug that works against the body’s immune (protective) response.

Intravenous (IV)

Taking place within a vein or veins.

Over-the-counter

Medications that can be bought without a prescription.

Parenteral nutrition

Nutritional supplementation method where nutrients and calories are delivered through an IV directly into your veins.

Precision medicine

A form of medicine that uses information about a person’s own genes or proteins to prevent, diagnose, or treat disease.

Shared decision making

This is when a healthcare provider and a patient work together to make a healthcare decision that is best for the patient. The optimal decision considers evidence-based information about available options, the provider’s knowledge and experience, and the patient's values and preferences.

Suppository

Medication that is mixed with a waxy substance and shaped like a torpedo that is inserted through the anus and into the rectum. Once inside the body, it melts to release the medicine.

Targeted Synthetic Small Molecules

Oral medications that help reduce inflammation by specifically targeting parts of the immune system.

Treat-to-target

An individualized strategy that defines a treatment target (like remission or low disease activity) and applies a strict regimen (for example, monthly visits and treatment adjustment) to reach that target.