Azathioprine and Mercaptopurine


WILL I USE ANY OTHER DRUGS ALONGSIDE IT?

Azathioprine is sometimes given in combination with biological drugs such as infliximab and adalimumab – this is called ‘combination therapy’. Studies in people with CD and UC have found taking combination therapy with infliximab and azathioprine can be more effective at bringing on and maintaining remission long-term than infliximab alone.

Some people are given azathioprine or mercaptopurine in combination with allopurinol (a drug commonly used for gout). This is because one in five people have high levels of enzymes (proteins that speed up reactions) that convert azathioprine and mercaptopurine to end products that can cause side effects. Allopurinol can correct this imbalance, allowing a slightly larger number of people to tolerate thiopurines. Your doctor will test the level of your enzymes before starting treatment.



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