Posts In: Immunosuppressant

HOW SAFE ARE IBD DRUGS? Before drugs are licensed in Canada, they go through rigorous research and clinical trials on thousands of people. This process can take many years. Drugs are licensed by the Health Canada. The Health Canada plays an active role in ensuring that you have access to…

Azathioprine and Mercaptopurine WHAT ARE THE MOST LIKELY SIDE EFFECTS? All medicines can cause unwanted side effects, although not everyone will get them. Estimates suggest side effects occur in around one in five people taking azathioprine and mercaptopurine, and can occur at any time during treatment. Side effects from azathioprine…

Methotrexate WHAT ARE THE MOST LIKELY SIDE EFFECTS? As with all medicines, methotrexate can cause some unwanted side effects, although not everyone has them. The following list contains some of the possible side effects of methotrexate: Any medication can cause an allergic reaction. If you have any sudden wheeziness, feel…

CAN I ALTER THE DOSE OF IBD MEDICATIONS MYSELF? It is usually important to take the full dose to get the full effect. Some medicines must also be taken in particular ways – for example, at particular times of day, on an empty stomach, or with or after…

Azathioprine and Mercaptopurine DO THEY AFFECT FERTILITY AND PREGNANCY? Tell your doctor if you are thinking of becoming pregnant or find you are pregnant, and either you or your partner are taking azathioprine or mercaptopurine. Manufacturers’ guidelines state azathioprine and mercaptopurine should not be given to patients who are pregnant or…

Azathioprine and Mercaptopurine DOES TAKING THIOPURINES INCREASE THE RISK OF CANCER? People with IBD treated with thiopurines are at increased risk of cancer due to the drugs making the body’s tissues more susceptible and reducing the number of immune cells available to fight cancer. Studies suggest the overall risk of cancer for people…

Methotrexate HOW DO I TAKE METHOTREXATE? Methotrexate is taken as a single ONCE A WEEK dose on the same day each week. It can be taken in two different ways – either by tablets or by injection. Sometimes people start off on the injection form, before moving to oral tablets.

Azathioprine and Mercaptopurine HOW DO I TAKE IT? Both azathioprine and mercaptopurine come in tablet form and are usually taken once a day. The way tablets need to be taken varies according to the drug and its formulation, making it important to take the medicine exactly as your doctor tells you.

Azathioprine and Mercaptopurine HOW DOES IT WORK? Azathioprine and mercaptopurine belong to the group of drugs called immunosuppressants. The immune system is important for fighting infections, but sometimes immune cells attack the body’s own tissues and trigger chronic inflammation (like that found in IBD). Azathioprine and mercaptopurine reduce inflammation…

Methotrexate HOW DOES IT WORK? Methotrexate belongs to a group of medicines called Immunosuppressants. The immune system is important for fighting infections, but sometimes cells in the immune system attack the body’s own tissues and trigger chronic inflammation like that found in IBD. Methotrexate reduces inflammation in the…