Immunomodulators for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.

Here are some important things to think about:

• Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
• Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
• If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:

• Trouble breathing.
• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Azathioprine and mercaptopurine

Call your doctor if you have:

• Hives.
• Signs of an infection, such as a sore throat, fever, sneezing, or coughing.
• Lower back or side pain, especially with painful urination.
• Signs of unusual bleeding or bruising, such as black and tarry stools or blood in the urine.
• Unusual tiredness or weakness.
• Yellow eyes or skin.
• Severe belly pain.
• Aching joints, a headache that won't go away, or a fever.

Common side effects include:

• Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite.
• Diarrhea.
• Itching or a rash.

Methotrexate

Call your doctor if you have:

• Hives.
• Signs of an infection, such as a sore throat, fever, sneezing, or coughing.
• Bloody vomit.
• Signs of unusual bleeding or bruising, such as black and tarry stools or blood in the urine.
• Diarrhea.
• Stomach pain.
• Sores in the mouth or on the lips.

Common side effects include:

• Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite.
• Hair loss.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

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