Thiopurines Seem Efficacious in the Long-Term Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis

When patients with ulcerative colitis fail or are intolerant to mesalamine products, or require repeated courses of corticosteroids, biologics now appear to be the “go-to” therapy. However, not all patients are good candidates for biologics, and thus more data on the safety and efficacy of long-term thiopurines are needed.

In a retrospective, population-based study from Sweden, researchers examined outcomes in 250 patients with ulcerative colitis who initiated a thiopurine. Reasons for discontinuation of thiopurines were classified as lack of effect or loss of response, adverse reaction (i.e., intolerance), pregnancy, or physician decision. The primary outcome was the cumulative probability of colectomy within 10 years of starting thiopurine…