Immune suppression mix

[MandaM]

Hi

I seem to be on a lot of immune suppression. I have SLE & renal transplant. Is anyone else on Prograf (Tacrolimus) Mycophenalate Mofetil & Zentiva (Hydrochloroquine) recently added to the mix by my dermatologist? Just seems an awful lot. I have loads of other types of meds too. I hate to think of the chemical mix in my poor system. 😣 No wonder mozzies don't bite me 😂

[whisperit]

Hello MandaM

You must have been through a lot already. I was thinking the same sort of thing earlier today, as even without a transplant, I'm on HCQ and azathioprine and two sorts of steroids, not to mention daily pain meds, PPIs and a B blocker. On bad days, I try to think of myself as a kind of modern shaman, going on drug-induced voyages into the underworld to bring back esoteric wisdom to the tribe.

Wiki says, 'Tacrolimus is normally prescribed as part of a post-transplant cocktail including steroids, mycophenolate, and IL-2 receptor inhibitors such as basiliximab. Dosages are titrated to target blood levels. ' So it sounds like you are on a pretty normal regime in the circumstances. But it probably feels like juggling the effects of the meds is a bigger headache than the disease. x

[MandaM in reply to whisperit]

Thank you whisperit for your reply which made me chuckle. It's hard to now these days why I'm feeling so pants and why it's all a struggle...this awful heatwave which im loathing with a passion, Lupus or a toxic cocktail...would prefer a large Pina Colada with an umbrella and a chunk of pineapple on a cocktail stick! 😂

[whisperit in reply to MandaM]

Oh, don't! Or if you are - could you fetch me a large jug of iced Pimms please? x

[Kate-L]

Hi MandaM - I also have SLE and am the recipient of a renal transplant. I became allergic to Tacrolimus and was moved to Rapamune (Sirrolimus). I also take MMF (Mycophenolate), and a low dose of Prednisolone (6mg). My medication has meant my BP can sometimes rise, so I have a pill for that, and my sugar levels can rise so I have a pill for that! I don't think this is an unusual amount of pills as my tx unit seem to think that this is the 'norm' rather than being too much. Unfortunately, renal transplant means we have to take all these things, it's a real nuisance but it keeps us going! Keep well xx