Aziophrine and prednisolone

[Tim_Thorpe]

Are these drugs just for treating lupus or for antiphosolipid symdrome (sticky blood )

[lupus-support1 Administrator]

The medication that is prescribed by your lupus specialist will ultimately depend on the symptoms you exhibit and whether your body is able to tolerate the drugs.

Prednisone provides relief for inflamed areas of the body. It is used to treat a number of different conditions, such as inflammation (swelling), severe allergies, adrenal problems, arthritis, asthma, blood or bone marrow problems, endocrine problems, eye or vision problems, stomach or bowel problems, lupus, skin conditions, kidney problems, ulcerative colitis, and flare-ups of multiple sclerosis. Prednisone is a corticosteroid (cortisone-like medicine or steroid). It works on the immune system to help relieve swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions.

Corticosteroid drugs — including cortisone, hydrocortisone and prednisone — are useful in treating many conditions, such as rashes, lupus and asthma. But these drugs also carry a risk of serious side effects. Working with your doctor, you can take steps to reduce these side effects so that the benefits of corticosteroid treatment outweigh the risks.

How do corticosteroids work?

Corticosteroids mimic the effects of hormones your body produces naturally in your adrenal glands, which sit on top of your kidneys. When prescribed in doses that exceed your body's usual levels, corticosteroids suppress inflammation. This can reduce the signs and symptoms of inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis and asthma.

Corticosteroids also suppress your immune system, which can help control conditions in which your immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues.

How are corticosteroids used?

Corticosteroid drugs are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, asthma, allergies and many other conditions. They also treat Addison's disease, a condition where the adrenal glands aren't able to produce even the minimum amount of corticosteroid that the body needs. And these drugs also help suppress the immune system in order to prevent organ rejection in transplant recipients.

Azathioprine

Azathioprine (Imuran) is a drug used in certain autoimmune conditions (diseases where the body’s natural defense system attacks itself). It suppresses the immune system by interfering with DNA synthesis (the creation of DNA molecules). It is used in dermatomyositis, systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), inflammatory bowel disease, vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels), rheumatoid arthritis, as well as other inflammatory conditions.

Azathioprine is used to prevent rejection of a transplanted kidney. It belongs to the group of medicines known as immunosuppressive agents. Azathioprine will lower the body's natural immunity in patients who receive transplants to prevent rejection of the new kidney. It is also used to relieve joint pain and swelling for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Azathioprine is also a "steroid-sparing" drug which means not having to be given very high doses of corticosteroids.

You can find more information at the LUpus Message Board: lupus-support.org (you will need to Register to access the main website. Registration is free.)

With good wishes,

Ros