Certain forms of chemotherapy are effective for treating autoimmune conditions such as Crohn’s disease. Methotrexate and 6-MP are popular options.
Chemotherapy involves using chemicals to treat a health condition. It has long been successful in treating cancer, and some types of chemotherapy are also effective for Crohn’s disease.
When used for Crohn’s, chemotherapy medications are sometimes called immunomodulators. That’s because they change your body’s immune system to decrease inflammation and other symptoms.
If you have Crohn’s disease, these medications may allow you to stop using steroids and stay in remission.
Methotrexate is one popular Crohn’s treatment option. It was originally used to treat breast cancer and is also used as chemotherapy for lymphoma and leukemia. The dosage is significantly lower when treating autoimmune conditions.
Methotrexate is given once per week by injection. Because it blocks cell production, it’s effective in controlling inflammation caused by Crohn’s disease.
One possible side effect of methotrexate is a reduction in blood cells produced by your bone marrow. This can lead to complications. If you’re taking methotrexate, you’ll usually have regular tests to ensure adequate blood counts.
You might receive blood tests every 2 months to check your liver and kidney function. Lung scarring is also possible, so your doctor may ask you to look out for symptoms such as persistent coughing and trouble breathing.
Common side effects of methotrexate include:
- headache
- nausea
- vomiting
- fatigue
You might have to take a daily dose of folic acid, which helps counteract some of the drug’s side effects.
You should not use methotrexate if you’re pregnant, because the drug can cause fetal development issues or even death of a developing fetus.
Mercaptopurine (6-MP) comes in tablet form. It’s one of the more popular chemotherapy treatments for Crohn’s. Classified as an antimetabolite, 6-MP interferes with metabolic action. Antimetabolites have been effective in treating Crohn’s.
The side effects of 6-MP can be challenging to manage, though. Serious side effects include a temporary reduction in white and red blood cell counts, which can increase your risk of infection and anemia.
Liver and pancreas problems and traditional chemotherapy side effects such as nausea and vomiting may also occur.