Outcomes of Pregnancies Fathered by Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients Exposed to Thiopurines

Abstract

Our data do not support the practice of routinely recommending to male patients that they interrupt thiopurines when wanting to conceive.

Approach to the Management of the Pregnant Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patient: Successful Outcome

“…Based on that study there was some concern about continuing the drug in male patients wishing to have children. Further publications did not confirm these findings (Francella, et al, 2003;Truel, et al 2010).…”

Paternal drug use: before and during pregnancy

“…Publications identified were on methotrexate [22], lamuvidine [23], thiopurines [2,24] such as mercaptopurine [25] and azathioprine, ribavirin [26] and the combination of ribavirin--IFNa B2 combination [27], antirheumatics [18] such as methotrexate, sulfasalazin and biologics, finasteride [28], paroxetine [5] and testosterone gel [29]. The results of these studies are often contradictive.…”

“…The results of these studies are often contradictive. For instance, two studies on mercaptopurine use by fathers report an increase of pregnancy-related complications [25] or congenital anomalies [2] while another study found no increased risk [24].…”

Advanced Therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Guide for the Primary Care Physician

“…55 Thiopurines and biologic therapies do not affect male fertility, and pregnancy outcomes are not adversely affected if the father is taking these medications. [55][56][57][58] However, men taking sulfasalazine or methotrexate should be warned of reversible oligospermia when trying to conceive. Fertility should be restored in men who stop taking methotrexate or sulfasalazine 3 months before trying to conceive.…”