Frequency of use and standards of care for the use of azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review of the literature and a survey of Canadian gastroenterologists
Azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine were used to treat an average of 7% of patients. Liver enzyme and pancreatic enzyme levels were monitored by 62% and 29% of respondents respectively. Severe leukopenia (less than 2.10 g/L) occurs in less than 2% of cases and is sometimes associated with serious outcomes, including death. The risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is likely low.
