Ulcerative Colitis and Azathioprine

Hi there, is there anyone out there that has had healthy babies whilst in remission from Ulcerative Colitis, and has anyone had healthy babies whilst taking Azathioprine tablets which helps you to stay in remission? I have had U.C for almost 9 years now -left sided and moderately severe. I had 2 good years of remission when I met my now husband and then I had a really bad flare up. At first it was mild and then progressively got worse throughout the year. The Dr put me on oral prednisolone which normally starts to work within a week but 2 months later I was still on a high dose and it was still bad. They did a flexi sigmoidoscopy and saw that it was severe colitis so they put me on Azathioprine as well as keeping me on steroids and for some reason straight away I went into remission.They were going to give me infliximab injections but I didn't end up needing it. Now I'm off steroids and my specialist wants to keep me on azathioprine for at least 2-4 years to help me stay in remission longer. I'm feeling healthy again and normal, the only problem is I am 29 and we would like to start a family sooner rather then when I'm 32 -34. So I'm just wondering if it's dangerous to take if your are pregnant (which I'm not yet) as there seems to be conflicting evidence. I hope someone has gone through a similar situation and can help.

Cheers.

[lizziecee]

Sorry to hear you have UC, but pleased you are currently in remission. I can't help you with the pregnancy query,hopefully someone can, but if you Google azathioprine there is lots of information on side effects, one being possible damage to the foetus when taking this drug. I would ask your gastro, and perhaps if he believes there is a risk to the foetus, he can prescribe another medication to keep you in remission. I have Crohn's and was on steroids for some 30 yrs, but now self inject methotrexate once weekly (this is a cytotoxic chemo immuno-suppressant, as is Azathioprine) and am doing well. I don't know if it can be used for UC but your gastro is the best person to ask, or perhaps you could see an OBgyn.
Good luck.

Liz.

[gimima]

Hi, im in a similar situation, im 25 and have been on Azathiropine for two years now and will be on them for the next couple of years at least, me and my partner have been discussing having children in the, future however i am really concerned of the effects all this medication will have and if im not on medication then the risks of a flare up whilst pregnant. I would be grateful if you could pass on any useful information that you find out.

[TrudieC]

It has been quite a while since I had UC (got J-Pouch 15 years ago) and Azathiropine was not available then.  I got my first flare up of UC at 21 just a couple of months after I got married.  We were going to wait a couple of years to have kids so had no idea I might be pregnant.  Anyway, all the tests I went through caused me to miscarry at 16 weeks.  After that I realized I wanted a baby.  My UC was under control and two months later got pregnant.  I was taking Asacol or 5-ASA (bad memory) and continued that throughout my pregnancy.  I stayed in remission throughout.  Good luck.  Please review with your doctor.