Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2026

Evaluating Therapeutic Interventions in the SHIP-deficient Mouse Model of Crohn Disease-like Ileitis and Fibrosis
Published on: October 14, 2025
Drug interaction between infliximab and azathioprine in patients with Crohn's disease
X Roblin1, F Serre-Debeauvais, J-M Phelip
1Département d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, CHU de Grenoble, Grenoble Cedex, France.
Background:
A drug interaction has been observed between infliximab and methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis.
Aim:
To look for an interaction between infliximab and azathioprine in Crohn's disease patients using the active metabolites of azathioprine: 6-tioguanine nucleotides.
Methods:
Patients receiving azathioprine who required infliximab for ileo-colonic or ano-perineal Crohn's disease were recruited prospectively. 6-tioguanine nucleotide levels were evaluated before infusion, within 1-3 weeks after the first infusion and 3 months after the first infusion. The clinical outcome was evaluated by the Harvey-Bradshaw index or the closure of ano-perineal fistulas.
Results:
Thirty-two patients were included (17 received one infusion and 15 received three infusions). The mean 6-tioguanine nucleotide level was comparable before and 3 months after the first infusion, but a significant increase was observed within 1-3 weeks after the first infusion (P < 0.001). In parallel, a significant decrease in leucocyte count and increase in mean corpuscular volume were observed; these modifications were normalized 3 months after infusion. An increase in 6-tioguanine nucleotide level of greater than 400 pmol/8 x 108 erythrocytes was strongly related to good tolerance and a favourable response to infliximab, with a predictive value of 100%.
Conclusions:
This prospective study provides evidence for a drug interaction between azathioprine and infliximab.
More Related Videos
10:35Assessment of Antibody-based Drugs Effects on Murine Bone Marrow and Peritoneal Macrophage Activation
Published on: December 26, 2017
07:38Multimodal Quantitative Phase Imaging with Digital Holographic Microscopy Accurately Assesses Intestinal Inflammation and Epithelial Wound Healing
Published on: September 13, 2016
Related Concept Videos
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids
Drugs for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis in IBD
Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management
Pharmacologic...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease