Are Pentasa And Azoran Advisable For Crohn's Disease During Pregnancy?

Posted on Mon, 15 Feb 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 15 Feb 2016 Answered on

Mon, 2 May 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : my daughter is having crohn's disease & is taking pentasa & azuran 50. she is pregnant one moth & a half. should she change medicine?

Answered by Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali (41 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Azuran is NOT SAFE during pregnancy hence should be avoided.

Detailed Answer:
Dear Getsen, Hi & Welcome.
Thanks for posting your query on health care magic.
I can understand your concern for your beloved daughter.
1. Pentasa (Mesalazine): As per US FDA it is a pregnancy Category 'B' drug which means the animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Hence, it can be given under careful monitoring if the benefits are more than risks.
2. Azuran (Azathioprine): As per US FDA it is a pregnancy Category 'D' drug which means animal studies have revealed evidence of teratogenicity. It can cause harmful effects (congenital malformations) in the fetus (unborn child) when administered to a pregnant woman. Hence, it should not be used for treating Crohn's disease during pregnancy.
Hope I could answer your query. However, should you have any follow up query, I shall be glad to answer it.
Best regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T