Azathioprine advice?

[viajera]

Hi all! I'm new to this site, and also immunosuppressants. My doctor just prescribed Azathioprine for active Crohn's, and as I am planning to return to Spain (from the US) for another school year, and won't be in the US with my regular doctor, it makes me kind of nervous.

Also, I'm trying to figure out how much these medications will cost (also Uceris and Fosamax), since my insurance there doesn't cover prescriptions.

I'm particularly concerned about catching every bug that comes along, since I was already doing that last year when I wasn't on this medication. And I've read about lymphoma and other cancers...!

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[Bee1london]

Hi, I was on Aza for five months and it worked brilliantly. I split the dose between morning and evening and ensured I took it on a full stomach. I would ensure you have some anti sickness drugs to hand, just in case. I had blood tests every month to monitor my white cells. They only dipped slightly over that time. I made sure I had hand sanitizer with me and tried to avoid people I knew were ill. Unfortunately I got a sickness bug and then couldn't tolerate it anymore as it kept making me sick. I would try your first dose at home, at bedtime, so you can sleep thru any side effects. Tell your doc if you experience any vomiting, and stomach pain that's different to your usual pain. Good luck and hope it works for you.

[viajera in reply to Bee1london]

Thank you very much, Bee! I should be starting today. I'll let you know how it goes!