aziathiaprone and travelling in the sun

[Crohnssuvivour]

hello, I have just started my treatment with aziathioprine and obviously done the usual research on the side-effects, which may I add is always quite scary. So any positive experiences are welcomed! I’m going away in September I wanted to know are People experiences with his medication and exposure to the Sun was like? what precautions to do people take? I am an avid traveller, how do people go swimming abroad when it’s hot or travel?

[Seasouth]

I took aza for quite sometime and it was very effective for me (though sadly I'm now resistant to it so can't take it).

Your experience may vary, but I come from a family that generally tan quite deeply. I grew up with parents who still drilled into us to always use sun cream - but the fact is it was less a serious issue than with many of my friends.

When I first took aza I went out for the afternoon in Brighton and forgot my suncream - I burnt my face in less than an hr (2pm sun) which really really surprised me. It wasn't super severe, but nonetheless I'd never experienced that rate of effect before.

I took to only using 4-5 star factor 50, carried Roll on stick of it for ease and quick application too. I also took to taking a hat with me just in case I found myself caught out in peak sun for longer than planned.

With sensible measures it won't stop you enjoying your time out and about. You needn't shut yourself away or worry too much - just be a suncream nerd and reapply every couple hrs.

If you can find a hat you like that you can have on standby then that's recommended.

As for other aza side effects - I didn't really have any I could identify.

I hope that helps, you needn't worry too much - have fun

[Crohnssuvivour in reply to Seasouth]

thank you for sharing! It’s nice to know you can still live a normal life and not be scared to do things you’d normally do. Glad your experience with aza has been positive. I’m only in 3 weeks and first bloods so let’s see how I go. I’ve prepared with all the highest spf and everything but my skin is very sensitive.

[FRreedman in reply to Crohnssuvivour]

I would concur with Seasouth. Make sure you have plenty of sun screen and a wide brimmed hat. Azathioprine has been a life saver and a life enhancer for me.