| Theme |
How Do You Choose Treatment Strategies for IBD Patients with a Critical Situation? |
| Title |
Remission Maintenance Therapy for Ulcerative Colitis with the Immunomodulator AZA/6—MP |
| Author |
Toshihiro Inokuchi |
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, |
| Author |
Sakiko Hiraoka |
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, |
| Author |
Shiho Takashima |
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, |
| Author |
Asuka Nakarai |
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, |
| Author |
Masahiro Takahara |
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, |
| Author |
Hiroyuki Okada |
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, |
| [ Summary ] |
Thiopurine is one of the key drugs that have the ability to maintain the remission stage and reduce the total dose of corticosteroids needed in patients with refractory ulcerative colitis. A few months are needed for the drug to start having an effect as an immunomodulator. Use of thiopurines is also related to a high frequency of adverse events. However, thiopurines can be used safely under carefully controlled conditions, with frequent monitoring. Considering the aspects of efficacy, convenience, and cost of treatment, the use of thiopurines is preferable to that of anti‒TNF agents for the patients with refractory ulcerative colitis. |