During pregnancy, what is the advised use of azathioprine for a patient with SLE?

Azathioprine is an immunosuppressive medication commonly used in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) to manage disease activity. During pregnancy, it is advised that azathioprine can be continued because it has been shown to be relatively safe for use in pregnant women with SLE, especially when considering the potential risks of disease flare-ups if the medication is discontinued.

The data indicates that the risks associated with continuing azathioprine during pregnancy are minimal when compared to the risks of untreated SLE. Untreated SLE can lead to significant complications for both the mother and the fetus. Therefore, in cases where the benefits of controlling the mother’s condition outweigh the potential risks associated with medication, continued use of azathioprine is considered a balanced approach tailored to the patient's needs.

This information aligns with current clinical guidelines that recommend careful evaluation and monitoring of patients on azathioprine, rather than abrupt discontinuation or automatic switching to other medications without justification. Hence, it is recognized that the medication can be continued during pregnancy under medical supervision.