Azathioprine question

[Purplegenealogist]

I have been taking Azathioprine for ulcerative colitis for 30+ years but recently my consultant has told me to come off it as at my age the risks outweigh the benefits. I have not been taking it for 5 weeks but now am experiencing stomach cramps, and general discomfort in my stomach area all the time. Is this a documented side effect of coming off Azathioprine?

[Valbaty54]

I was also taken off Aza for the same reason last December. It worked well in combination with Infliximab but since March I've had low level symptoms similar to yours and the infusions seem less effective. I'm just having some tests to explore this. Are you on other meds?

[Purplegenealogist in reply to Valbaty54]

Alverine citrate

[Hidden]

Short answer is yes. Azathioprine is known to cause abdominal issues. I checked into the ER a few years back because I had this terrible pain in my lower right quadrant. I was taking it for GPA autoimmune disease. I stayed overnight and the next morning, my nephrologist came in my room and told me it's the Azathioprine causing the pain and it will go away which it did.

[Akido]

at least Aza works for u for years mine less than 2 months resulting in liver toxicity & have to stop!