Imuran and fertility

[ThePriest]

Does anyone know of any connection whatsoever between drugs used to treat Crohns - Imuran in particular - and MALE fertility? Also, does anyone know of any potential effects on children born to someone with Crohns (who is being treated with such drugs)?
Whether someone has read a study, spoken to a doctor about this, or has anecdotal insights on the topic, I'd appreciate your input.

 

[Rebecca85]

I think I read somewhere that imuran taken by the male is associated with an increase in birth defects. Though don't quote me on that- it might have been 6mp or methotrexate. As for children born to someone with Crohn's I think there is a higher risk of miscarriage but children actually born don't have increased birth defects.

 

[DustyKat]

Hey Priest,

This is an older study regarding Imuran, males and fertility...

CONCLUSION: Our data show that AZA does not reduce semen quality and thereby male fertility in IBD.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11677195

This is a study, again older, involves the fathers role in pregnancy outcomes when taking 6MP. Although not Imuran it is the same class of drug...

CONCLUSION: The incidence of pregnancy-related complications was
significantly increased when the fathers used 6-MP within 3 months of
conception.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10710057&dopt=Abstract

Dusty. xxx

 

[ThePriest]

Thanks Dusty.
That is very helpful.
I am just starting treatment with Imuran, and I know the doctor will want to add 6-MP later down the road. The study you posted makes me hesitant about the 6-MP.
Maybe I should wait on that...

 

[DustyKat]

Imuran and 6MP aren't taken together, you either take one or the other. Imuran is the parent drug to 6MP, or am I reading you wrong when you say the doc will want to add 6MP?

Dusty. xxx

 

[ThePriest]

You may be right. I got the impression that the doctor was going to add another drug later on. Perhaps he will just increase the Imuran dosage.

 

[ThePriest]

To be clear, are you saying that the 6-MP study - which indicated a high risk for birth defects - is still relevant for Imuran (since they are "the same class of drug")?

 

[DustyKat]

Yes, Imuran may cause birth defects and pregnancy complications.

I haven't seen more recent studies involving humans, only mice and rabbits and they have produced the same type of defects but with much larger doses of Imuran than is used with IBD. So the study was using at least 5mg/kg whereas IBD is normally 2mg/kg.

Most literature states not to conceive whilst taking Imuran. You would weigh the risk of conceiving against your disease, I should make mention here that there are current members, male and female, that have had very successful conceptions and subsequent pregnancy outcomes whilst taking these drugs.

Dusty. xxx

 

[Sbailey]

I am currently taking Imuran, 125mg, and trying to conceive. My OB and GI said it would be safe. Should I get second opinions?

 

[ThePriest]

Thanks alot. This forum seems to be alot more helpful than any doctor that I have spoken to. :yrolleyes: