azathioprine side effects

[KoalaJill]

I just started on Azathioprine, Feeling sluggish and joints seem to be aching. Does this subside as my body adjusts to it?

[SORRELHIPPO]

I felt very sluggish after I started Azathioprine, no extra aching joints. I have never regained the "bounce" I had before, but as no longer have regular times on steroids, maybe the "sluggish" is more me, than the bounce. When I complained to the Consultant about how I was feeling, he said he was trying to give an extra 5 or 10years, so basically put up with it.

[Vo321]

HI KoalaJill,

Azathioprine can have several side effects; some of which you mentioned above. So long as the symptoms don't persist for a prolonged length of time you should be fine. Also, keep in mind that everyone's body reacts differently to medication. What might be normal to one person may be abnormal to another. If the symptoms you described continue to bother you, I'd strongly advice that you speak with your doctor and they may be able to adjust your medication or prescribe you another one. Hope that helps!

Have a great day,

Vo321

[saj12]

When I was on azathioprine, i got really painful knee joints. It did subside after 3/4 months.

[Allsoyellow80]

I take a smaller dosage but in combo with allopurinol (the interaction helps the azathioprine have stronger influence in spite of a low dosis this due to low tolerance of 100 mg) the upside is allopurinol is a med to cure joint inflammation. Maybe worth to ask your doc about it?

[Hidden]

Hi, I am only in my 5th day of taking Azathioprine and noticed side effects straight away. My body felt heavy, went into slow motion speed and generally not wanting to do anything. In the past I have altered the time I take meds and these last two days have taken my meds at midnight hoping to sleep through the worst of the side effects, seems to be working, wake up feeling reasonable and not as tired.