What is the evidence for using azathioprine and PCB??

[milo2002]

[spoul]

sorry i haven't heard of this medication, have you tried googling it for info, which country are in?

[milo2002]

in the uk

[zipitydoo]

It suppresses the immune system.

I havent heard of it in connection with PBC but have read that plaquenil which is also used as an immune suppressant does not work with PBC. Although some people with PBC take it for other auto immune diseases.

[Hidden]

Hello milo2002.

I thought I had previously read a bit about what you asked in your question. I scrolled though but couldn't find a reply I once did but seem to recall that azathioprine is used after organ transplant and also in arthritis apparently. Something to do with inflammation so that is perhaps why in PBC.

I found a previous question on here you might want to trawl back to read any replies:-

"Is anyone being treated with Azathioprine for PBC as I thought this was just a treatement for AIH & Urso was the only drug available for PBC

Asked by Jtxx

12 Feb 2012

3 answers"

Regards.

[Jtxx]

Hi milo2002,

I posted the above question that periodot makes reference to in her comment above. Not a lot of people on this site are on Azathioprine as most only have PBC whereas I am on Azathioprine (auto immune suppressant) and Budenofalk (steroid) for AIH as well. They call it a crossover syndrome.

In my question I was just interested to find out if by having to take Azathioprine for the AIH could, by association, help the PBC as well. In my logical mind I thought it might but it is certainly not a drug given to patients only suffering from PBC so I guess that maybe it can't make a difference.

It is all so confusing at times, What I think is logical is not neessarily the case. All I know is that Azathiporine has helped get my high ALT's and AST's back to a normal count although on a negative side it has reduced my white blood count a bit and has also given me indigestion and reflux!!!

I am also on Urso for the PBC and others on this site have given great reports that the Urso have also brought down their ALT's and AST's. In my opiniton the ultimate result is to have the Liver Function Tests normal. That's in itself can help slow down the progression of the disease. Hope this helps.

[Jtxx]

Sorry meant to ask, where did you read or find out about Azathioprine possibly being a treatment for PBC?

[Cristina_Romania]

Hello.. from Romania obviously :). I have been contacted by a PBC lady who is being given Imuran (Azathioprine), besides Urso, and I also know another young man who is given Imuran but for a more aggressive condition (in his case) , Autoimmune Hepatitis. No news about how the PBC lady is taking it, but from the AIH man I know it's a quite strong immunosuppressive and needs special medical supervision.

This PBC lady is the only one of 8 that I know who has been given Azathioprine. Of course, every patient has a particular condition, but apparently it is a not very often prescribed treatment for PBC.

[EAJSWW]

I too am on Azathioprine BUT only for AIH (I have cross over too) apparently studies (which I now can't find but will continue to look for) have shown no improvement to PBC using Azathioprine.

Urso from what I gather is just a drug to help 'lubricate' the bile to aid its passage through the damaged bile ducts. I think this then helps to protect the liver from the build up of bile which causes further damage. I think it is because Bile is being helped out and not being 'back logged' that certain blood levels reduce as the infmammation within the liver is reduced.I don't think they know all the functions of Urso but I am not sure it works in anyway on the immune system to help cure the PBC. I know it also interacts with cholesterol in the blood stream and also is used as a treatment to help dissolve gall stones.