Immune system suppressors
In cases of very active and severe inflammatory bowel disease that does not respond to standard treatments, immunosuppressant drugs are used for long-term therapy. Immunosuppressants may help maintain remission in Crohn's disease and heal fistulas and intestinal ulcers caused by this disease. These drugs can be combined with corticosteroids for treating active disease flares or to reduce the dose of the steroids. Immunosuppressive drugs may also enhance the effectiveness of corticosteroids.
All may have significant side effects that may include nausea, vomiting, and liver or pancreatic inflammation. Patients should get t blood tests to monitor bone marrow, liver, and kidneys.