Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 15, 2026

Breast Milk Enhances Growth of Enteroids: An Ex Vivo Model of Cell Proliferation
Published on: February 15, 2018
Is breastfeeding safe with azathioprine?
Mandeep Singh1, Jan Qualie1, Andrew Currie1
1Women's and Perinatal Services, Leicester Royal Infirmary, University Hospital Leicester, Leicester , UK.
Background:
Azathioprine is commonly used as an immunosuppressant during pregnancy in the management of various conditions such as connective tissue disorders, inflammatory bowel disease and pregnant women with organ transplant. Continuation of azathioprine through pregnancy and postpartum is vital for maternal reasons. However, there is limited evidence regarding safety of use of azathioprine with breastfeeding.
Methods And Results:
We report an observational case series of 10 mother-baby pairs managed at a tertiary teaching hospital. Mothers on azathioprine who were keen to breastfeed were counselled antenatally regarding limited short-term and long-term safety data for the babies. Mothers participating in this study completed a questionnaire at every visit. At follow-up visits, babies were examined by a neonatologist for clinical signs of infection and checked for adverse effects on haematological profile.
Conclusion:
There was no clinically significant adverse effect on haematological profile or immunosuppression in these babies. Our case series supports safety of azathioprine in the short term. However, large numbers are needed to determine long-term safety of azathioprine and breastfeeding.
More Related Videos
13:00Intranasal Immunization and Milk Collection in Studies of Maternal Immunization in New Zealand White Rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus
Published on: July 31, 2021
08:12Isolation of Leukocytes from Human Breast Milk for Use in an Antibody-dependent Cellular Phagocytosis Assay of HIV Targets
Published on: September 6, 2019
Related Concept Videos
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
Teratogenicity
Drugs for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis in IBD
Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics
Antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and benzonatate (Tessalon). Codeine and dextromethorphan exert their effects centrally by suppressing the cough reflex center in the medulla. Benzonatate operates peripherally within the respiratory tract by...
Myocarditis IV: Nursing Management
Drug toxicity: Drug–Drug Interaction