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Do you discontinue or adjust azathioprine when a patient develops elevated MCV after starting it?

When it seems fairly certain that this is a drug effect is it something that can just be monitored or requires a change in approach?
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How do you manage azathioprine dosing when a patient develops elevated MCV after starting it?

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2 Answers
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Rheumatology · Emory University
Answered on

Great question, with practical implications for the clinic:

Azathioprine (AZA) is a prodrug that likely exerts its immunosuppressive effects against B- and T-cell function by interfering with purine metabolism through its metabolites (including 6-MP).

Logically, many of the "classic" AZA side effect...

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Mednet Member
Mednet Member
Rheumatology · Geisinger
Answered on

Interesting discussion but analogously, there are different ways to approach elevated MCV in patients on MTX.

Usually, in patients on AZA, there are alternate immunosuppressant agents to use.

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