Immunosuppressors for inflammatory bowel disease: How long is long enough?

Abstract

Immunosuppressors used in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are useful in refractory, chronic, active, steroid-dependent, or steroid-resistant IBD, but do not provide a permanent cure for IBD, their effect being only temporary. Only azathioprine and methotrexate are currently prescribed in the long term for IBD. The question of how long immunosuppressors should be given once remission has been induced and steroids discontinued has not yet been answered. © 2000 Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America, Inc.