Immunosuppressants for Colitis: Understanding Treatment & Risks

Immune system suppressors to treat colitis are used with caution since they are designed to overtake the body's own immune system. More commonly known for use with organ transplants, immunosuppressive drugs are used quite successfully in the treatment of ulcerative colitis and other types of inflammatory bowel disease.

Instructions

Use Immune System Suppressors to Treat Colitis

• 1

  Treat ulcerative colitis with azathioprine (Imuran). The success in treating Crohn's disease with Imuran has led to the consideration for use in the control of ulcerative colitis. Because Imuran is a slow-acting drug, it is often used in combined therapy with some type of corticosteroid.

• 2

  Identify cyclosporines (Neoral, Sandimmune) as possible immune system suppressors to treat ulcerative colitis that has not responded to other medications. They may be used as an interim measure to delay surgery. Results are seen within a couple of weeks, but the risks are high.

• 3

  Consider infliximab (Remicade) as one of the immune system suppressors to treat severe ulcerative colitis. It is used to block the action of TNF-alpha (tumor necrosis factor alpha) to reduce inflammation in managing the symptoms of colitis. It is not a cure for colitis.

• 4

  Review the potential for including mercaptopurine (Purinethol) to treat ulcerative colitis. Purinethol, also known as 6-MP, is proving effective in transitioning patients from steroid therapy.

• 5

  Participate in a clinical trial sponsored by the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America or ClinicalTrials.gov (see Resources below). Research is ongoing for the most effective treatment for colitis.