I am on azathioprine for steroid refractory proctitis. For many reasons Vedolizumab appeals to me as a maintenance medication over general immune suppression. Do you think it's possible this drug or something similar will replace azathioprine 's role in the future? I know it's expensive and ultimately dollars may make the decision in this case for years to come.

I do think there will be newer drugs such as vedolizumab that have a better balance of their benefits they can offer IBD patients compared to their risks and the risks of azathioprine.

Dr. Brian Bressler

Gastroenterologist