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The thiopurines azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine are effective both for active disease and for maintaining remission in both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. This review describes criteria for starting thiopurines (two or more courses of steroids in a calendar year, relapse as prednisolone is reduced below 15 mg/day, within 6 weeks of stopping steroids) and the benefits of continuing treatment for up to 5 years. Challenging issues, such as thiopurine intolerance, relative merits of azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, monitoring therapy and thiopurines in pregnancy are addressed.

Original publication

DOI

10.1097/01.meg.0000049993.68425.13

Type

Journal article

Journal

Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol

Publication Date

03/2003

Volume

15

Pages

219 - 223

Keywords

Azathioprine, Drug Administration Schedule, Drug Monitoring, Female, Humans, Immunosuppressive Agents, Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, Mercaptopurine, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Complications