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Review article: monitoring of immunomodulators in inflammatory bowel disease

2005; Wiley; Volume: 21; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1111/j.1365-2036.2005.02343.x

1365-2036

Faten Aberra, Gary R. Lichtenstein,

Microscopic Colitis

Summary The armamentarium of medications for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease is growing and becoming more complicated to use. Immunomodulators are a class of medications that have found a niche for the treatment of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Because of the mounting supporting evidence for efficacy, the most commonly‐used immunomodulators are azathioprine, mercaptopurine, methotrexate and ciclosporin. These medications are being used more often due to their steroid‐sparing and potentially surgery‐sparing effects. Immunomodulators are also known for a significant side‐effect profile and require careful monitoring. This review provides the latest information for clinicians on efficacy, side‐effects, dosing and monitoring of these medications for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.