Examples

How It Works

Immunomodulator medicines weaken or suppress the immune system.

Why It Is Used

Immunomodulators are used for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that:

• Has not responded to other treatments.
• Can be controlled only with long-term use of corticosteroids. Immunomodulators may be used so that the doctor can lower the dose of corticosteroids that a person is taking. This is called "steroid sparing."

How Well It Works

Crohn's disease

Azathioprine and mercaptopurine work to keep people who have Crohn's disease in remission. They are also used to allow the person to stop using corticosteroids.¹

Mercaptopurine may be able to prevent Crohn's disease from coming back after surgery. It can at least lengthen the amount of time without disease after surgery. It's likely that azathioprine works as well.¹

Both azathioprine and mercaptopurine can treat and heal fistulas.¹

Methotrexate works to stop symptoms of active Crohn's disease and to put the disease in remission. It can keep Crohn's disease in remission when taken long term. It is also used to help people who have Crohn's disease stop taking corticosteroids.¹

Ulcerative colitis

Azathioprine and mercaptopurine work to stop active symptoms of ulcerative colitis. They can also be used to help people who have ulcerative colitis stop taking corticosteroids.¹

Side Effects

All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.

Here are some important things to think about:

• Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
• Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
• If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:

• Trouble breathing.
• Hives.
• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Azathioprine and mercaptopurine

Call your doctor if you have:

• Signs of an infection, such as a sore throat, fever, sneezing, or coughing.
• Lower back or side pain, especially with painful urination.
• Signs of unusual bleeding or bruising, such as black and tarry stools or blood in the urine.
• Unusual tiredness or weakness.
• Yellow eyes or skin.
• Severe belly pain.
• Aching joints, a headache that won't go away, or a fever.