Azathioprine and Mercaptopurine

HOW LONG I WILL BE ON IT?

If you respond well to azathioprine or mercaptopurine, you should be able to keep taking it for some years, provided the results of your monitoring blood tests are satisfactory and you do not develop any serious adverse reactions. Research suggests that the effectiveness of azathioprine and mercaptopurine does not diminish over time. While guidelines state that stopping treatment may be considered after four years for patients remaining in remission, many experts now believe thiopurine treatment should be continued indefinitely. Speak to your doctor if you are considering stopping your treatment.

References