Thiopurines - (Azasan®)

These anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer drugs are commonly used to treat people with autoimmune disorders or certain cancers, as well as people who have received an organ transplant. Azathioprine (AZA) and 6-Mercaptopurine (6-MP) are two commonly prescribed thiopurines.

Your Results

Low risk of side effects

Based on your genetic markers, you are likely to have a low risk of life-threatening bone marrow complications following therapy with AZA or 6-MP. Symptoms of this disorder, called bone marrow suppression or myelotoxicity, include fatigue, easy bruising, and infections.

Drug and side effects facts

Generic names: thiopurines (THYE-oh-PURE-een), including azathioprine (ay-za-THYE-oh-preen) and 6-mercaptopurine (six mer-KAP-toe-PURE-een)

Brand names: Azasan®, Imuran®, Purinethol®

Primary uses: AZA and 6-MP are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, certain types of cancer, dermatological conditions and to prevent tissue rejection after an organ transplant. Doctors also sometimes prescribe one other type of thiopurine, called thioguanine or 6-TG, which is not included in this genetic result.

Secondary uses: AZA and 6-MP can also be used to treat multiple sclerosis.

Side effects: Based on their genetic make-up, some people are at increased risk for severe, life-threatening bone marrow suppression when treated with these drugs. Since your bone marrow is essential to making new blood and immune cells, this suppression can lead to dangerous health problems, such as an increased risk of infection.

Learn more about how this drug affects you

What you can do

This information is likely to be important for your health.

Let your doctor(s) know about this genetic result.
Carry this information with you should it be needed in a medical consultation or emergency.
Consider sharing this information with your family.

If you are being treated for a condition where AZA or 6-MP might be used, now or in the future, these drugs may be an option for you.

Learn more about what you can do

How common are these side effects?

Severe side effects occur in up to 28 percent of patients taking AZA and 6-MP. These problems can include gastrointestinal, liver, and bone marrow complications. Serious bone marrow suppression occurs in approximately three percent of patients. (These numbers are based on reports of side effects in the general population, not your personal genetic risk, and include people of all ancestries.)

Genetics is only part of the story. Additional factors, such as interactions between these medications and other drugs, can increase your risk of side effects from thiopurines such as AZA or 6-MP.

Learn more about side effects