Overview: Immunomodulators are typically considered when patients aren’t achieving remission with steroids, aminosalicylates, or antibiotics. If your disease is severe, you may be offered immunomodulators as a first-line therapy. Immunomodulators decrease the number of inflammatory cells in your body, including strongly inhibiting white blood cells. They are used to treat other autoimmune conditions as well as prevent rejection of transplanted organs and certain cancers. Immunomodulators are steroid-sparing and are often used to help patients wean off steroids when they would not otherwise be able to because of severe symptoms. They are especially helpful for inflammation induced complications like fistulas in Crohn’s patients. Types: Thiopurines Class of drugs that mimics the building blocks of DNA. Since they look similar, cells will try to use them but when they do the DNA-making process is altered or delayed. Common drugs include Azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) 6-MP is the active form that actually works to reduce inflammation Azathioprine is converted to the active form in the body (same method as 6-MP, just requires one more step of conversion) Methotrexate Methotrexate mimics folic acid, an essential molecule used to create DNA in cells. Because it mimics folic acid, when methotrexate is incorporated into […]
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