Monitoring azathioprine

It usually requires 6 to 8 weeks for azathioprine to work. The recommendation is to consider stopping the medication if there is no improvement in 3 months

Check full blood count before starting treatment, once weekly for the first four weeks, then at least every 3 months throughout treatment. Check:

• Haemoglobin
• Total white cell count
• Neutrophil count
• Platelet count
• Liver function tests

Patients should immediately have a full blood count if they develop any symptoms suggestive of marrow depression.

Reference:

1. Anstey AV, Wakelin S, Reynolds NJ., British Association of Dermatologists Therapy, Guidelines and Audit Subcommittee. Guidelines for prescribing azathioprine in dermatology. Br J Dermatol. 2004 Dec;151(6):1123-32.