Azathioprine and Allopurinol

[AussieChick]

Ok so I have been on Azathioprine (Imuran) for about 4 months now and been on 150mg. My ibd nurse has just emailed me and said they have my blood results back and that I break down Azathioprine in such a way that I will benefit from a reduction in Azathioprine to 50 mg daily and addition of Allopurinol 100mg daily. There are 2 pathways in which this drug is metabolised (broken down) in the body, one is useful and the other is not, and adding in allopurinol whilst reducing the Azathioprine results in more of the drug going down the useful pathway, and prevents liver damage.

Has this happen to anyone else and does the allopurinol have any side effects etc ?

Thanks

 

[Catherine]

My daughter has got that far yet.

The aim is to use a side effect of allopurinol to increase the 6TGN levels, and decrease the 6MMP levels

http://www.healio.com/gastroenterol...6-a430-d735ef89a8d7}/how-do-you-monitor-patie

 

[Patricia56]

Can't say personally but a number of kids require this to avoid elevated liver enzymes. I've never heard of problems with side effects from the allopurinol.

 

[Jennifer]

I haven't had to do that myself with 6MP but the forum wiki on Allopurinol pretty much sums it up and also mentions the possible side effects. http://www.crohnsforum.com/wiki/Allopurinol Sorry I'm not much more help than that. I hope you do well on this new treatment plan. Keep us posted AussieChick. *HUGS*

 

[AussieChick]

thanks so much everyone will let you know how I go, been on it on 5 days now, so far no side effects.

 

[Jmrogers4]

My son was on the combo for about a year and a half. Never had any side effects and finally saw some relief from symptoms. Hope it works well for you.