Immunomodulatory medications (IMM), including thiopurines, methotrexate, cyclosporine, and tacrolimus, play an important role in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). These drugs work primarily by suppressing the immune response to reduce inflammation. Thiopurines, including azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine, are used to maintain remission in steroid-dependent patients and to prevent postoperative relapses in CD. Methotrexate is used as a steroid-sparing agent, particularly in CD, but is ineffective in UC. Cyclosporine (CyA) and tacrolimus are used as rescue therapies in acute severe UC unresponsive to corticosteroids. Although effective, IMMs carry significant risks, including myelosuppression, hepatotoxicity, infections, and potential malignancies. Methotrexate is contraindicated in pregnancy due to teratogenic risks. Despite the advent of advanced therapies, IMM remains valuable in the management of IBD, often in combination with other treatments to improve efficacy and prevent the formation of antibodies to biologics. Regular monitoring and preventative strategies, such as vaccination and screening, are essential to mitigate adverse effects. Healthcare professionals need to ensure that patients are well informed about the benefits and risks of these therapies and closely monitored for potential side effects.

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Medical Management 3: Immunomodulators

  • Gionata Fiorino,
  • Cristina Milazzo,
  • Ornella Giombini,
  • Annarita Musi,
  • Simona Radice

摘要

Immunomodulatory medications (IMM), including thiopurines, methotrexate, cyclosporine, and tacrolimus, play an important role in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). These drugs work primarily by suppressing the immune response to reduce inflammation. Thiopurines, including azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine, are used to maintain remission in steroid-dependent patients and to prevent postoperative relapses in CD. Methotrexate is used as a steroid-sparing agent, particularly in CD, but is ineffective in UC. Cyclosporine (CyA) and tacrolimus are used as rescue therapies in acute severe UC unresponsive to corticosteroids. Although effective, IMMs carry significant risks, including myelosuppression, hepatotoxicity, infections, and potential malignancies. Methotrexate is contraindicated in pregnancy due to teratogenic risks. Despite the advent of advanced therapies, IMM remains valuable in the management of IBD, often in combination with other treatments to improve efficacy and prevent the formation of antibodies to biologics. Regular monitoring and preventative strategies, such as vaccination and screening, are essential to mitigate adverse effects. Healthcare professionals need to ensure that patients are well informed about the benefits and risks of these therapies and closely monitored for potential side effects.