Azathioprine & Allopurinol

[Tina80]

I'm in need of some advice if anyone can help. A few months ago my dose of Azathioprine was increased to 150mg. I started to have problems with my liver function tests and now I've been told to by my consultant to reduce it to 25mg and take 100mg of allopurinol to counteract the affect it is having on my liver. I've been told the dose has been reduced as it is dangerous to take a high dose of azathioprine with allopurinol, however, I fail to see how a dose of 25mg is going to stop me flaring. Just wondering if anyone has any experience of this.

 

[DustyKat]

Hi Tina80,

What Allopurinol does is interfere with the metabolism (degradation) of Azathioprine. It causes it to stay in the body longer and therefore toxicity occurs.

When someone has issues with liver function this effect with Allopurinol can be used to your advantage. To avoid toxicity you need to reduce the dose of Imuran to a 1/4 of what is prescribed. So taking 25mg of Imuran with Allopurinol will in fact give you about the same dose of Imuran you were taking previously.

Dusty. xxx

 

[Tina80]

Hi Dusty

Thanks so much for your reply, that makes more sense to me now. Hopefully doing this will sort out my liver problems.

Christina xx

 

[DustyKat]

No worries hun.

I hope the combination sorts out your liver problems. Good luck!

Dusty. xxx