IMMUNOSUPPRESANTS AND COLITIS

To continue with the medications post... There are many drugs used to control colitis.    There are steroids, 5-aminosalicylates, glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants, calcineurin inhibitors, and a few others but these are the major ones.  Here I will describe these medications, how they are used, some side effects, and how they are supposed to help. 

 Today we will discuss the use, properties and side effects of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants.



DISCLAIMER


  I am in no way a doctor or a physician and my blog is not intended to take the place of a medical professional's opinion.  Please seek the advice of your Dr. before trying any treatments or anything described herein. 

Glucocorticoids

Dexamethasone is used for:

Pronunciation: dex-a-METH-a-sone
Generic Name: Dexamethasone
Brand Name: Generic only. No brands available.
Read more at http://www.drugs.com/cdi/dexamethasone.html#6I4BZ3b3PPXjqG72.99

Treating certain conditions associated with decreased adrenal gland function. It is also used to treat severe inflammation due to certain conditions, including severe asthma, severe allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, certain blood disorders, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and certain eye and skin conditions. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid. It works by decreasing or preventing tissues from responding to inflammation. It also modifies the body's response to certain immune stimulation.

Do NOT use Dexamethasone if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Dexamethasone
• you have a systemic fungal infection
• you are taking mifepristone

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Read more at http://www.drugs.com/cdi/dexamethasone.html#6I4BZ3b3PPXjqG72.99

Before using Dexamethasone:

Some medical conditions may interact with Dexamethasone. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you are scheduled for a vaccination with a live virus vaccine (eg, smallpox)
• if you have an underactive thyroid, liver or kidney problems, diabetes, or ulcerative colitis
• if you have heart problems, esophagitis, gastritis, stomach obstruction or perforation, or an ulcer
• if you have a history of mental problems (eg, depression), glaucoma, cataracts, or other eye problems
• if you have a herpes infection in your eye or any other type of infection (bacterial, fungal, or viral); have or recently had tuberculosis (TB) or tested positive for TB, measles, or chickenpox

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Dexamethasone. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), carbamazepine, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), or rifampin because they may decrease Dexamethasone's effectiveness
• Clarithromycin, azole antifungals (eg, ketoconazole), steroidal contraceptives (eg, desogestrel), or troleandomycin because because weakness, confusion, muscle aches, joint pain, or low blood sugar, may occur
• Methotrexate or ritodrine because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Dexamethasone
• Hydantoins (eg, phenytoin),mifepristone, or live vaccines because their effectiveness may be decreased by Dexamethasone
• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) or aspirin because their actions and side effects may be increased or decreased by Dexamethasone

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Dexamethasone may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Use Dexamethasone as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

How to use Dexamethasone:

• Take Dexamethasone by mouth with food.
• If you miss a dose of Dexamethasone, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Dexamethasone.

Important safety information:

• Dexamethasone may lower the ability of your body to fight infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds or infections. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Dexamethasone before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Dexamethasone may cause an elevation in blood pressure, salt and water retention, and increased potassium loss. You may need to restrict the use of salt and take a calcium supplement.
• Dexamethasone can cause calcium loss and promote the development of osteoporosis. Take adequate calcium and vitamin D supplements.
• Diabetes patients -- Dexamethasone may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• Caution is advised when using Dexamethasone in CHILDREN; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Corticosteroids may affect growth rate in CHILDREN and teenagers in some cases. They may need regular growth checks while they take Dexamethasone.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: It is not known if Dexamethasone can cause harm to the fetus. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Dexamethasone while you are pregnant. Dexamethasone is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Dexamethasone.

Possible side effects of Dexamethasone:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Difficulty sleeping; feeling of a whirling motion; increased appetite; increased sweating; indigestion; mood changes; nervousness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); appetite loss; black, tarry stools; changes in menstrual periods; convulsions; depression; diarrhea; dizziness; exaggerated sense of well-being; fever; general body discomfort; headache; increased pressure in the eye; joint or muscle pain; mood swings; muscle weakness; personality changes; prolonged sore throat, cold, or fever; puffing of the face; severe nausea or vomiting; swelling of feet or legs; unusual weight gain; vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds; weakness; weight loss.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

Read more at http://www.drugs.com/cdi/dexamethasone.html#6I4BZ3b3PPXjqG72.99

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately.

Proper storage of Dexamethasone:

Store Dexamethasone at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Dexamethasone out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Dexamethasone, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Dexamethasone is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
• Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Dexamethasone. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking

Read more at http://www.drugs.com/cdi/dexamethasone.html#6I4BZ3b3PPXjqG72.99

Immunosiuppresants are used for:

Preventing kidney transplant rejection when used along with other medicines. They may also be used to reduce signs and symptoms of active rheumatoid arthritis. They may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Immunosuppresants are a form of antimetabolites. They work by decreasing the effects of certain cells in the body's immune system.

Do NOT use Any Immunosuppresant if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in them
• you have rheumatoid arthritis and are pregnant
• you have rheumatoid arthritis and have used alkylating agents (eg, cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, melphalan) in the past
• you are taking mercaptopurine (another immunosuppresant)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Immunposuppersants:

Some medical conditions may interact with Immunosuppresants. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have kidney or liver problems
• if you have certain bowel problems (eg, Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis)
• if you have an infection; a history of frequent, recurrent, or prolonged infections; or you have recently had or are scheduled to receive a vaccination
• if you have a history of cancer, bone marrow problems, anemia, low white blood cell or platelet levels, or unusual bruising or bleeding
• if you have certain enzyme deficiencies (thiopurine methyltransferase [TPMT] or xanthine oxidase) or you have recently had a blood transfusion
• if you are taking a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) (eg, methotrexate, adalimumab)

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with other immunosuppresants. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Alkylating agents (eg, cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, melphalan) or TNF blockers (eg, certolizumab, etanercept) because the risk of developing certain types of cancer may be increased
• Mercaptopurine because the risk of severe toxic effects, including severe bone marrow suppression or death, may be increased
• Allopurinol, aminosalicylates (eg, mesalazine, olsalazine, sulfasalazine), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (eg, enalapril), doxorubicin, febuxostat, ribavirin, or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole because they may increase the risk of Azathioprine's side effects
• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) or hydantoins (eg, phenytoin) because their effectiveness may be decreased by Azathioprine

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if the immunosuppresant you are poised to star taking may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Use All medications including and especially -  immunotsuppresants as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• .

Important safety information:

• All immunosuppresants may lower the ability of your body to fight infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds or infections. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
• All immunosuppresants  may reduce the number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in your blood. Avoid activities that may cause bruising or injury. Tell your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding. Tell your doctor if you have dark, tarry, or bloody stools.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Any immunosuppresants  before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Talk with your doctor before you receive any vaccine while you are taking  All immunosuppresants .
• Contact your doctor at once if you develop severe nausea and vomiting. This may occur with or without diarrhea, rash, fever, muscle pain, dizziness, fainting, or unusual tiredness. If this reaction occurs, it usually happens within the first several weeks of therapy.
• All immunosuppresants  may increase your risk of developing a tumor or other cancer. Contact your doctor at once if you notice any unusual growths or lumps. To decrease your risk of developing skin cancer, avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths. Use a sunscreen with a high protection factor and wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.
• An enzyme called TPMT helps to break  most immunosuppresants down in the body. Infrequently, some patients may have decreased TPMT enzyme activity. This may increase the risk of developing serious side effects (eg, severe bone marrow problems). Patients with decreased TPMT enzyme activity may need a lower dose of immunosuppresants . Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.
• If you are able to become pregnant, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the use of effective birth control while taking  Any immunosuppresants .
• Lab tests, including complete blood counts, liver function, and TPMT enzyme activity, may be performed while you use Azathioprine. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• All immunosuppresants  should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and efficacy in children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Azathioprine has been shown to cause harm to the fetus. Do not become pregnant while you are using it. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using immunosuppresants e while you are pregnant.  Immunosuppresants are found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking immunosuppresants .

Possible side effects of Immunosuppresants :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Mild nausea or vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; itching; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain or tightness; dizziness; fatty stools; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; increased or painful urination; muscle pain or aches; painful, red bumps or blisters on the arms, face, neck, or back; severe or persistent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; shortness of breath; stomach pain; symptoms of liver problems (eg, dark urine, loss of appetite, pale stools, right-sided stomach pain, yellowing of the eyes or skin); unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual growths or lumps; unusual weakness or tiredness.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

I borrowed most of this information off pf the internet.

I hope this helps.

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OLOE