Posts In: Treatment

Azathioprine and Mercaptopurine WHAT CHECKS WILL I NEED BEFORE I START IT? You should have levels of the enzyme thiopurine methyl transferase (TPMT) measured in your blood. This test can help to predict who is more likely to experience side effects with azathioprine or mercaptopurine, such as suppressed…

Steroids SIDE EFFECTS Although steroids are produced naturally by the body, steroid medications can cause unwanted side effects. Studies suggest around one in two people taking steroids experience side effects. Side effects can be minimized by using the lowest effective dose of steroids for the minimum period, and sometimes by taking the…

Vedolizumab ENTYVIO® WHAT CHECKS WILL I NEED BEFORE I START IT? Pre-treatment screening is essential to check your suitability for treatment with Vedolizumab. Make sure our IBD team treating you know: If you have any history of tuberculosis (TB) or any recent exposure to people with…

Vedolizumab ENTYVIO® WHAT ARE THE MOST LIKELY SIDE EFFECTS? Like all drugs, vedolizumab can have side effects, although not everyone experiences these. Some side effects can happen almost immediately, in direct response to the infusion. Others may not appear for several days, weeks or even longer.

Steroids WHAT CHECKS WILL I NEED FOR LONG-TERM STEROID TREATMENT? Blood pressure and weight should be measured regularly, and children will need growth checks You may be offered blood tests to check your potassium level and for raised blood sugar and triglycerides after starting steroid treatment and then…

Azathioprine and Mercaptopurine WILL I NEED TO TAKE ANY SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS WHILE BEING TREATED WITH IT? Try to avoid close contact with people who have chickenpox infections. Azathioprine and mercaptopurine affect the way your immune system functions, which can make you more prone to infections. Also, even mild infections, such…

Steroids WHAT IS BUDESONIDE? Budesonide (brand name;Entocort) is a steroid developed more recently with special features to reduce side effects. It has been designed to be broken down more completely by the liver, reducing the amount of steroid in the blood affecting the rest of the body. Budesonide…

Adalimumab HUMIRA® WILL I NEED TO TAKE ANY SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS WHILE BEING TREATED WITH IT? Try to avoid close contact with people who have infections. Adalimumab affects the way your immune system works, so you may be more prone to infections. Also, even a mild infection such as a cold…

Steroids WHEN SHOULD I SEEK MEDICAL HELP? People taking steroids can on rare occasions require urgent medical attention. You should contact your doctor: If you experience mental health problems, feel depressed, high, or your moods go up and down. Contact your doctor or go to the Emergency if…

Infliximab REMICADE® WILL I NEED TO TAKE ANY SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS WHILE BEING TREATED WITH IT? Immediately after an infusion, you may feel tired and drowsy, especially if you have had medication to reduce side effects. For this reason, it could be a good idea to arrange for a taxi or…