March 24, 2020 | Category: Uncategorized

A message to those with Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, or Autoimmune Hepatitis:

We hope you and your family are well during this tumultuous time. We realize there may be many out there with underlying GI conditions who have concerns or questions regarding an underlying condition and the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

For patients with underlying conditions (such as Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, or Autoimmune Hepatitis) taking immunosuppressive medications, the Joint Gastroenterology Society has recommended the following:

“Patients on immunosuppressive drugs for IBD and autoimmune hepatitis should continue taking their medications. The risk of disease flare outweighs the chance of contracting coronavirus. These patients should also follow CDC guidelines for at-risk groups by avoiding crowds and limiting travel.”

This means that patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Autoimmune Hepatitis who are on immunosuppressive medications should remain on their medications. The risk of disease complications is more likely to occur without the continued use of the immunosuppressive medications. HOWEVER, please contact our office to discuss your care if you are currently taking prednisone, prednisolone, or methylprednisone.

In order to decrease your risk of getting sick, please follow the “CDC Recommended Guidelines for At-Risk Groups” by avoiding crowds, practicing social distancing, and limiting travel. You can read the “CDC Recommended Guidelines for At-Risk Groups” by following this link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/get-ready.html

Please see the list below for Immunosuppressive Medications:

  • Azathioprine (Imuran)
  • Mercaptopurine or 6-MP
  • Cyclosporine
  • Tacrolimus
  • Methotrexate
  • Adalimumab (Humira)
  • Certolizumab pegol (Cimzia)
  • Infliximab (Remicade)
  • Ustekinumab (Stelara)
  • Vedolizumab (Entyvio)

We realize you may have questions about your risk, your underlying condition, or your medications. We are working hard to make your provider more accessible to you during these unprecedented times, and we will have more details on increased accessibility in the coming weeks. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate further developments.

Here are some other useful tips to keep safe and healthy during these dynamic times:

  1. Practice social distancing. This is the only way to “flatten the curve” and ensure we have enough resources to manage cases that require hospitalization (approximately 10% of COVID-19 cases are severe). More information on what the phrase “flatten the curve” means can be found in this useful article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/world/corona-simulator/
  2. If you are not feeling well, you must self-quarantine. The elderly, those with underlying health conditions, and immune compromised individuals are particularly vulnerable. Please help look out for our fellow Nevadans by limiting contact with other individuals.
  3. The best information on COVID-19 can be found on the CDC’s website. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html Many news sources often present unverified info.
  4. Information specific to Nevada is also available at https://nvhealthresponse.nv.gov/