Imuran is a medication which suppresses the Immune System. It is given orally to patients whose MS is progressing slowly and is sometimes given in combination with Solu-Medrol treatment.
It is not recommended for women who plan to have children. Imuran can cause Liver problems and Nausea - Long-term use of the drug may also result in an increased risk of Leukemia and Lymphoma.
There have been numerous clinical trials of Azathioprine as a treatment for MS over the past 20 years both in the US and abroad. The results have not been uniform, and the use of this agent as a treatment for MS remains controversial.
One reason for this is that the potential Side-Effects of Azathioprine include Severe Anemia or Leukopenia (shortage of White Blood Cells), Liver Damage, or long-term increased risk of developing malignancies such as Leukemia or Lymphoma. Some patients have not been able to take Azathioprine because of severe Nausea.
A summary of the results of 20 different trials of Azathioprine over the past 20 years using different patient populations, different doses and different protocols, yields mixed results. Some benefit, as noted by slowed progression or fewer relapses, was noted in 60% of the trials. There was no apparent benefit in the other trials.
The decision to use Azathioprine is a complicated one, and should be made by the physician and the patient together, after a discussion of the potential risks and benefits.
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