Table of Contents
What are the long term side effects of azathioprine?
The main theoretical risks of prolonged use would be the myelotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and the development of cancer. In fact, serious bone marrow suppression or serious liver damage are uncommon, and can be minimized with proper use of the drug.
How long is it safe to take azathioprine?
How long will I be taking it? If tolerated, you will probably be on azathioprine for up to 5 years. Do not stop taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to, even if you feel well.
How effective is Azathioprine for colitis?
Overall remission rates (including all patients treated with azathioprine) were 45\% and 58\% for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, respectively.
Can azathioprine cause stomach problems?
Azathioprine sometimes causes nausea or vomiting. Taking this medicine after meals, in divided doses, or at bedtime may lessen stomach upset. Talk to your doctor if you have questions or continue to have problems with nausea or vomiting.
What should you not take with azathioprine?
Some products that may interact with this drug are: febuxostat, past or present use of certain cancer drugs (such as cyclophosphamide, melphalan), other drugs that weaken the immune system/increase the risk of infection (such as rituximab, tofacitinib).
Is 50 mg of azathioprine a lot?
The usual dose is 150-200 mg a day but the dose can vary depending on your weight and tolerance of the medication. Start with one 50 mg tablet daily usually in the morning with a meal. After one week, you should have your blood drawn.
How azathioprine works in the colon?
In IBD the immune system is attacking the digestive system which results in inflammation. Azathioprine reduces the number of white blood cells in the body – the immune system relies on these white blood cells and by reducing them it interrupts the immune system’s function.
What medications can cause bowel problems?
8 medications that cause constipation
- Opioid pain relievers.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Antihistamines.
- Tricyclic antidepressants.
- Urinary incontinence medications.
- Iron supplements.
- Blood pressure medications.
- Anti-nausea medications.
Can I take vitamin D with azathioprine?
Interactions between your drugs No interactions were found between azathioprine and Vitamin D3. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Can azathioprine cause liver damage?
Azathioprine can also cause an acute, clinically apparent liver injury that is typically cholestatic. This complication is uncommon but not rare, occurring in approximately one in a thousand treated patients.