Dawn,
In reply to:
What are the risks to the baby?
Let's start with Imuran (azathioprine) since it has been around longer. According to RxList (click this link) Azathioprine is:
- Mutagenic in animals and humans
- Teratogenic in rabbits and mice when given in doses equivalent to the human dose (5 mg/kg daily). Abnormalities included skeletal malformations and visceral anomalies.
If you click on the link, you will see that, besides a danger from the standpoint of having children (Who here remembers thalidomide?), Imuran is a dangerous drug to be taking.
The warnings and precautions from
RxList (click this link) about Remicade basically indicated that it is safe for baby-making. These conclusions result from tissue and animal studies; there is insufficient data as yet from actual humans taking Remicade.
You can group the two together because both have an immunosuppressive effect. Nevertheless, they are quite different therapies. It would be advisable to think of them as two different approaches.
Best regards,
jcwinnie
This information is being provided on an educational basis within a peer support setting. It should NOT be construed as medical advice. The reader is advised to consult the prescribing physician and / or genetic counselor for specific information about her or his situation.
