Immunosuppressants

Immunosuppressants

• what are immunosuppressants?
  • these are medications designed to suppress or modify the immune system
  • thiopurines (e.g. azathioprine (Imuran), 6-mercaptopurine (Purinethol)); e.g. Methotrexate

Thiopurines

• • thiopurines are oral tablets and are taken DAILY
  • remember to do your regular blood work as you increase the doses of these medications to reach your regular maintenance dose

• PATIENT INFO HANDOUT – imuran and 6-MP
• IMURAN – how to start imuran
• 6-MP – how to start 6-MP

Methotrexate

• methotrexate can be taken as oral tablets OR injections and is dosed WEEKLY
  • methotrexate is a teratogen (causes malformed fetus and miscarriage) and should be stopped at least 3 to 6 months BEFORE attempting to conceive)