Imuran and Purinethol are medications that modulate the immune system and are used to treat autoimmune liver diseases, sometimes in combination with prednisone. These medications are relatively safe for use under close monitoring at specialized centers, such as Sheba Medical Center. This is because these medications can occasionally cause side effects, including a decrease in blood cell counts or an increase in liver enzymes, and more rarely, mild inflammation in the pancreas. The doctor will discuss any rare side effects with you. After starting treatment, regular blood tests will be needed to monitor the effects. It's possible to determine if a child is at risk for developing side effects before and during the treatment using metabolic tests like MMP-6 and TG-6 (click here to read more about the tests).
Children treated with Imuran (also known as Azathioprine) are more sensitive to the harmful effects of sunlight radiation, so it's recommended to use high SPF sunscreen during sun exposure.
In summary, it's important to remember that these medications have been widely used for many years to manage inflammatory diseases, and the benefits they bring far outweigh the risks. The treatment decision will be made in collaboration with the patient and their family after considering all possible options and alternatives.