Celiac Sprue (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
Celiac Sprue Treatment
- The treatment for celiac sprue is strict avoidance of gluten in the diet.
- Removal of gluten from the diet is essential.
Because a gluten-free diet is a lifetime commitment, is more expensive than
a normal diet, and has social implications, it should not be recommended
unless the diagnosis is firmly established. Complete avoidance of
gluten-containing grain products takes significant effort. Maintaining a
strict, gluten-free diet may be relatively difficult because certain
products, such as wheat flour, are so common in the Western diet.
- Improvement in symptoms begins within days of starting the gluten-free diet. Complete healing of the small intestine, meaning the villi are intact and working, usually occurs in 3-6 months, although it may take up to 2 years in older persons.
- Removal of gluten from the diet is essential.
Because a gluten-free diet is a lifetime commitment, is more expensive than
a normal diet, and has social implications, it should not be recommended
unless the diagnosis is firmly established. Complete avoidance of
gluten-containing grain products takes significant effort. Maintaining a
strict, gluten-free diet may be relatively difficult because certain
products, such as wheat flour, are so common in the Western diet.
- Because lactose intolerance is common in people with celiac sprue, vital improvements occur when a lactose-free diet is introduced.
Next: Self-Care at Home »
Important Safety Information
- KAPIDEX may not be right for everyone. You should not take KAPIDEX if you are allergic to KAPIDEX or any of its ingredients. Severe allergic reactions have been reported.
- Symptom relief does not rule out other serious stomach conditions.
- The most common side effects of KAPIDEX were diarrhea (4.8%), stomach pain (4.0%), nausea (2.9%), common cold (1.9%), vomiting (1.6%), and gas (1.6%). KAPIDEX and certain other medicines can affect each other. Before taking KAPIDEX, tell your doctor if you are taking ampicillin, atazanavir, digoxin, iron, ketoconazole, or tacrolimus. If you are taking KAPIDEX with warfarin, you may need to be monitored because serious risks could occur.
Uses of KAPIDEX
- Persistent heartburn two or more days a week, despite treatment and diet changes, could be acid reflux disease (ARD). Prescription KAPIDEX capsules are used in adults to treat heartburn related to ARD, to heal acid-related damage to the lining of the esophagus (called erosive esophagitis or EE), and to stop EE from coming back. Individual results may vary. Most damage (erosions) heals in 4–8 weeks.
Talk to your doctor or healthcare professional. Please see full Prescribing Information for KAPIDEX.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
KAPIDEX™ is a trademark of Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc., and is used under license by Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc.
LPD-00767
GI Disorders
Get the latest treatment options.
From WebMD
Digestive Disorders Resources
- Slideshow: Reflux Risk and Relief
- Flu or Food Poisoning? How to Tell
- Bladder Game: Can You Beat the Urge?
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Also on eMedicineHealth
Read What Your Physician is Reading on eMedicine
Celiac Sprue »
Celiac sprue, also known as celiac disease or gluten-sensitive enteropathy, is a chronic disease of the digestive tract that interferes with the digestion and absorption of food nutrients.

