Hello Trish02- and thanks for your post,

I think that this is best answered by your dermatologist or the doctors managing your autoimmune hepatitis. Long term use of Azathioprine has shown to increase the risk of some skin cancers but the doctors have got to look at the benefits of Azathioprine in controlling your autoimmune hepatitis versus the risks with your melanoma diagnosis.

It is really only the doctors involved in your care that can really answer this question as they would need to provide an alternative to Azathioprine if they decided to discontinue it. The British Association of dermatologist has some information on  Azathioprine

I hope that you manage to speak to your doctors soon about your concerns. You may want to seek a second opinion.

If you want to talk any of this through with one of the nurses on the helpline then you are welcome to give us a call.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

All the best,

Catherine

Thank you for replying Catherine. I’ll take a look at the link and also call my Hepatologist. Really appreciate your reply!

Thanks 

Trish