Medication Facts and Agreement: Mercaptopurine, 6-MP, 6-Mercaptopurine (Purinethol), Azathioprine (Imuran)Medication Agreement • August 29th, 2006
Contract Type FiledAugust 29th, 20066MP and Azathioprine are antimetabolite immunosuppressive drugs that work by inhibiting DNA synthesis in lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are one type of white blood cell that plays a role in the body’s immune response. These medications are used in treating patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), leukemia, autoimmune hepatitis, polycythemia vera, and psoriatic arthritis. For patients with IBD these medications can decrease the need for steroids, help patients who have been steroid dependent, and/or help patients who have multiple relapses after steroid withdrawal. These medicines can help with healing of fistulas, improve overall clinical improvement, and maintain remission. With taking these medications, close follow up in the office is needed for blood work, monitoring dosage, symptoms and side effects.