Stopping meds

[joannebond360]

Hi. I’ve had a flu/ cold for weeks, I’m on Mercaptopurine which is a form or azathioprine, in the past I have had to stop it due to various infections and then start it again when better, just wondering if anyone stops there’s when unwell. Thank u

[whisperit]

Yes, when I was on aza and came down with unknown infection-like symptoms, my rheumy told me to stop until it was resolved. In these type of situations, I tend to contact the rheumy dept for advice each time. As it turned out, I later had to finish aza as it was causing too many problems x

[joannebond360 in reply to whisperit]

Thank you for your reply. Had no end of infections on it, start it up again and catch something else 🙈 xx

[happytulip]

When did you last have bloods? I'm just wondering what your WBC is doing. If I recall you had a very tough time shifting a chest infection a year or so ago!??

[joannebond360 in reply to happytulip]

A few weeks ago. They were ok. Yeah that chest infection was awful 🙈 xx

[happytulip in reply to joannebond360]

Does the medication have a really positive effect on your Lupus? I suppose its about cost vs benefit? Could they try you on another DMARD that might not make you so susceptible to infections?

[joannebond360 in reply to happytulip]

Yeah it has done but I’ve had sepsis, abseses in my mouth, numerous colds and virus’s I can’t shift, sinus infections and lung infections 😩

[happytulip in reply to joannebond360]

Maybe its the right DMARD for your Lupus but the wrong one for the risk of infections? Maybe speak to the wonderful lupus nurse specialist to try another DMARD? Its a difficult one isn't it. Best of luck xx

Oh, and are they checking your IGg levels? You might need to see immunology?

[Joy_1]

Hi

I use to take Aza but it did not work for me. I now take MTX.

I have had a horrendous cold bug for the last 2 weeks (a lot of folk are hacking away round here). It got into my chest and I could feel the beginnings of a chest infection. I stopped taking my MTX, employed all the tricks I have learned over the last few years and a couple of days ago I finally started to feel better so I will take my MTX this coming week having not taken it for 2 weeks.