| Theme |
Role of AZA/6-MP in the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease |
| Title |
Onset of Action of AZA/6-MP in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases |
| Author |
Masakazu Nagahori |
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University |
| Author |
Daisuke Kubota |
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University |
| Author |
Mamoru Watanabe |
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University |
| [ Summary ] |
6-mercaptopurine and its prodrug azathioprine have been used in the treatment of inlammatory bowel diseases (IBD) for decades. However, their widespread use has been limited by the assumption that they have slow onset of action. A recent study is presented which suggests that they in fact have earlier onset of action than has been believed as well as pharmacokinetic data to support this fact. Studies are also presented which suggest the time of disappearance of action after withdrawal of AZA/6-MP therapy for IBD. |