Azathioprine in inflammatory bowel disease, a safe alternative?. Issue 3 (1998)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tanis, A. A.
• Is Part Of: Mediators of inflammation. Volume 7:Issue 3(1998)
• Page Start: 141
• Page End: 144
• Publication Date: 1998
• Subjects: azathioprine -- 6-mercaptopurine -- inflammatory bowel disease -- bone marrow suppression -- side effects -- pregnancy; Inflammation -- Mediators -- Periodicals; Biological response modifiers -- Periodicals; Inflammation (Pathologie) -- Médiateurs; Immunomodulateurs; Biological response modifiers; Inflammation -- Mediators; Immunology; Autacoids; Immunologic Factors; Cell Adhesion Molecules; Cell Communication; Cytokines; Inflammation; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.0473
• DOI: 10.1080/09629359891045
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0962-9351

Abstract

Abstract : Azathioprine and its metabolite 6-mercaptopurine are effective in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. They are mostly used for reduction of the use of steroids, maintenance therapy after remission induction by cyclosporin and treatment of fistulae in Crohn's disease. Adverse effects occur in about 15% of patients. The main side effects are pancreatitis, allergic reactions, fever and bone marrow suppression. Symptoms, management and prevention are discussed. A blood monitoring schedule is suggested. Azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine seem to be safe in pregnancy. There may be a slight increased risk for developing a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.