The presentations at Digestive Disease Week 2013 emphasized treatment safety. 
Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents and thiopurines are reasonably safe in 
breastfeeding and pregnancy. Several studies indicate that controlling the risk 
of tuberculosis when anti-TNF agents are planned presents several problems, both 
in the initial diagnosis of latent tuberculosis and in subsequent patient 
follow-up, given that cases of tuberculosis continue to occur, despite 
recommendations. Thiopurines increase the risk of lymphoma, but there is no 
residual risk when these drugs are withdrawn. Despite increasing knowledge of 
the risks and recommendations on how to avoid them, there remain considerable 
shortfalls in the application of preventive measures and, more specifically, in 
vaccinations. Infliximab and cyclosporin produce similar results when used to 
treat severe outbreaks of ulcerative colitis. Thromboembolism prevention 
continues to be deficient, and the barriers to effective prevention concern not 
only physicians but can also involve nursing staff, for example. There is still 
a wide margin for improvement in safety. New drugs under study (vedolizumab, 
golimumab) have not shown any hitherto unknown signs of significant toxicity.