Q I'm on steroids and immunosuppressants. Is it safe to take herbal medicine together? I'm worried about interactions.
A When combining steroids/immunosuppressants with herbal medicine, leaving a time gap of 1–2 hours generally reduces absorption interference. If you tell us all the medicines you take at your visit, we will review possible interactions and prescribe safely.
Detailed Answer
Immunosuppressants used in Crohn's treatment such as azathioprine and methotrexate undergo liver metabolism, and some herbal ingredients may use the same enzyme pathways, so it is most important to tell us exactly the list of medicines you are taking. The Korean medicine doctor takes this into account and selects herbal medicine that places little liver burden and does not antagonize immune treatment. While on steroids, do not stop steroids abruptly with herbal medicine; taper gradually in consultation with your treating doctor.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
The goal of Korean medicine treatment is to guide the overactive immune response that immunosuppressants suppress toward "balanced immunity," so the goals align. If you share your medication list before prescribing, we will find the safest herbal composition.
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