Azathioprine! Hints and tips!

[Kelihunt41]

Hi everyone! I'm about to be put on azathioprine after being diagnosed with lupus (7+ years). I have resisted so far but failed to keep my flares and symptoms under control. Does anyone have any advice or warnings about azathioprine. Many thanks! Keli x

[Wenwen]

I was allergy to Azo with WBC dropped to very low and caught pneumonia.... Would suggest to monitor the blood WBC.

Best

[Rubylu]

I've been on it for a year now, and have just had a further increase in dose. I was nervous to start with but feel quite a bit better on it. It took several weeks to feel a difference, and my neurologist and rheumatologist both said it could take up to a year for it to really get max benefit (which seems to be true!). You'll have to be patient! Good luck

[misty14]

Hi kelihunt

Good luck for starting Azathioprine. It's a helpful drug but has to be monitored for blood count changes!. You'll probably start fortnightly for a while and then if ok will do it monthly!.

I do hope it improves your symptoms but you have to allow three months for it to start working!. Keep us posted and fingers crossed. X

[tallytutu]

Hi kelihunt Azathioprine has given me my life back! I had no side effects . It takes a while to get in your system. I was monitored fortnightly for a month then monthly, now 6 weekly with blood test.

I still have occasional flare ups but that usually because I've completely overdone it.

Good luck and make the most of the good days. Take care