Azathioprine with Creatine

Medical Q&A [Moderated]
1

Dear knowledgeable doctors

I’ve had Crohn’s Disease for 8 years, on Azathioprine daily 175mg for 7 years and no symptoms for that long. Blood tests as close to normal as can be expected, slightly elevated MCV.

I’ve been lifting for about a year, put on 20kg and for the first time since I had my first year of symptoms (where I went from a healthy weight to skeletal), I’ve filled out again and look much stronger. Largely thanks to Rip and subsequently the two of you - thanks for all the good advice in various videos and articles.

I hear that creatine is one of the few supplements that there’s fairly solid evidence on, and I’d like to try taking it. Is there any reason not to take it for someone who’s already on Azathioprine? I understand that creatine can mess with liver function blood tests - is there any reason to think that it might mask potential future problems with Azathioprine? Even if there are no actual problems, is it likely that I’ll have to reassure my doctor?

2

Azathioprine can certainly affect liver function tests, but creatine should not affect those.

Depending on the type and timing, it can sometimes cause a mild, benign elevation in blood creatinine levels (a marker of kidney function).