Does Mesalamine Interact with Azathioprine?
Mesalamine and Azathioprine have a major drug interaction according to U.S. FDA drug labeling data. Increased risk of blood disorders and bone marrow failure; monitor complete blood cell counts and platelet counts if concurrent use unavoidable. The mechanism involves myelotoxicity risk. Patients taking both medications should consult their healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of either drug. This information is based on official FDA drug labeling sourced from OpenFDA and the NIH National Library of Medicine.
- Severity
- Major
- Mesalamine Class
- Aminosalicylate
- Azathioprine Class
- Purine Antimetabolite
- Management
- Close medical supervision required
- Data Source
- U.S. FDA via OpenFDA
How This Interaction Works
The interaction between Mesalamine and Azathioprine occurs because myelotoxicity risk. Clinically, this means increased risk of blood disorders and bone marrow failure; monitor complete blood cell counts and platelet counts if concurrent use unavoidable. This is classified as a major interaction, meaning it could cause serious harm if not properly managed. Your healthcare provider may need to adjust dosages, substitute one medication, or increase monitoring frequency.
What To Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist
If you are taking Mesalamine and your doctor is considering prescribing Azathioprine (or vice versa), make sure to:
- Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
- Ask whether the benefits of combining these medications outweigh the risks for your specific situation
- Ask what symptoms to watch for that would indicate the interaction is causing problems
- Ask how frequently you should be monitored while these are co-prescribed
- Ask whether any dosage adjustments are needed
- Never stop or change either medication without first consulting your healthcare provider