Author: Geri Anne Fennessey

Geri Anne Fennessey

Geri Anne Fennessey is a New York City-based freelance writer and communications consultant.

Sufferers of celiac disease know all too well the common symptoms of severe nausea, diarrhea, gas, bloating and fatigue that accompany the illness. They also know that adopting — and sticking to — a gluten-free diet will bring long-term relief. But sometimes a gluten-free diet fails to get celiac symptoms under control — known as refractory celiac disease. There is no proven treatment for refractory celiac, but doctors may prescribe drugs off label, such as corticosteroids (prednisone, budesonide) or the immune-suppressing drugs infliximab (Remicade) or azathioprine (Imuran, Azasan), to combat the symptoms. The side effects of both types of drugs…

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