Hi all, just a quick question,...

[Dolores81]

Hi all, just a quick question, I have just been put on azathioprine but I was told not to start it till my TMPT was back withing normal range. Does anybody know what's TMPT? And also what everyone reaction to azathioprine? As I've been reading about this and Its made me scared to take

[sam0511]

I am taking Azathioprine - for the past 18 months now. Its working fine for me at the moment. Any information you search will always give the worse case scenario as well as all the rest. If it doesn't suit you there are other drugs, it seems that Azathioprine is the first port of call if you like in starting treatment. There will always be some side effects. We are all different so it will vary. The only way you will truly know is when you start taking it. You will be monitored - blood tests every month etc. Not sure what TMPT means - it isn't temperature abbreviated is it? Good luck - keep posting.

[Dolores81 in reply to sam0511]

Thank you Sam, your right, everyone is different and will have different reactions I suppose. I suppose it's just one more pill to add to my wonderful pill collection. I'm on colchicine, meloxicam, folic acid and vitamin D. Lucky me. Well us. I will let you know how I get on with it. I also have a doctor appointment early November so I will ask what's TMPT means.

[sam0511 in reply to Dolores81]

I'm on Vitamin D too...don't think we store it or so I am told. I have little of no vitamin B12, which can cause problems, so off to the GP again this week for blood test results - arms like a pin cushion at the moment! Once I started on azathioprine I could reduce my steroid dose gradually. I was on a large amount because of my eye involvement. I assume once you start taking it hopefully you can reduce/stop the others. Keep in touch, ask lots of questions x

[Dolores81]

Morning all. I have like a 100 questions regarding behçet's so I'm sorry if these have already been ask before. Do we need to wear medical id bracelet? Also do we need to tell our work place any information? I'm so confuse of who and when do I say something. Any advice would be great. Have a lovely day all.

[gillianTS]

Hi

You must have had tests for the doctor to know your TPMT level are below what they should be, TPMT enzyme activity is measured in red blood cells, might be best if you looked up TPMT and taking Azathioprine, a quick look took me to this page which might explain a little for you but there is much more to read:

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/191...

Take care and good luck.

[Dolores81]

Hi gillianTS, thank you for you reply. I had a look on the link you sent. But to be honest it still don't make sense. Is it my red blood cell count? I had this test done before I was prescribed the Azathioprine. I'm not allowed to start this till my TMPT are back to normal range. I'm seeing my GP on the 3 rd so I'll get her to go into more details. Thank you for taking the time out to search and reply.

[gillianTS]

Hi

Yes if you have had a blood test and the doctor has mentioned your TPMT levels were low then they may need further clarification and he/she will need to be sure to find out exactly what levels of TPMT you have to prescribe you with the correct amount of Azathoprine or not and prescribe another drug if they think it is going to be harmful to your health based upon the results. What I would ask when you go again is why the TPMT level were low in the first place, find out what level it was (I always ask for copies of blood test) and how will this affect you taking Azathoprine if you levels fall again, and make sure you get regular blood checks if you do happen to start this medication, the following website gives a much better explanation: labtestsonline.org.uk/under...

Take care, Gillian