Re: 6-mercaptopurine and getting pregnant

Posted By HFHSM.D.-ym on September 22, 1998 at 22:31:30:

In Reply to: 6-mercaptopurine and getting pregnant posted by Jen on September 20, 1998 at 15:19:21:






My husband is taking 6-mercaptopurine for his ulcerative colitis and we want to start trying to get pregnant.  We have been told that he should stop taking the medication AND be off it for 6 months before trying to conceive, but we have not been told about what data support that advice.  We have postponed getting pregnant for awhile and don't want to wait much longer.  Also we don't want to risk his health by having him off medication for so long.  Are their data on 6-mercaptopurine use in men and conception/genetic defects/etc.?  Any information is greatly appreciated.
Dear Jen,
At a recent Digestive Disease Week meeting data was presented by physicians at the Gastroenterology Department at Lenox Hill Hospital (New York) to suggest that 50% of pregnancies conceived within 6 months of 6-mercaptopurine use by the father were associated with complications.
This study included interviews with 56 male patients who were treated with 6-mercaptopurine for inflammatory bowel disease who were fathers. Of these, 22 patients had been on 6-mercaptopurine prior to fertilization (conception). 12 of the 49 pregnancies were conceived within three months of 6-mercaptopurine use by the fathers, while the remaining 37 pregnancies were conceived at least three months after 6-mercaptopurine was discontinued.
Of the 12 pregnancies conceived within three months of 6-mercaptopurine use by the fathers, 6 were associated with complications. There were two episodes of spontaneous abortions (miscarriage), two episodes of vaginal bleeding during two pregnancies (these subsided on their own) and two full-term infants with respiratory complications requiring intestive care unit monitoring. There were also two congenital anomalies (birth defects) noted.
In the group where 6-mercaptopurine was discontinued for 3 months prior to conception, the incidence of complications was no different than the control group. I hope you find this information helpful.
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.
If you would like to be seen at our institution please call  1-800-653-6568, our Referring Physicians' Office and make an appointment to see Dr. Muszkat, one of our experts in Gastroenterology.
HFHSM.D.-ym
*Keywords: 6-mercaptopurine, inflammatory bowel disease, complications