Azathioprine: not sure

[Amakura]

Hi

I've just, well for the past week, started azathioprine at 75mg. Thankfully, so far, no GI issues but it does make me drowsy and I've lost my appetite. In particular, is the drowsiness (and I detest this word) 'normal'? In other words, is it to be expected? I'm already aware that the loss of appetite is one of the many identified side effects.

NB: baseline bloods and x-ray were fine. I also take, and have done so for the past few months, prescribed iron and vitamin d as well.

Thanking you in advance.

[PMRpro]

Can't answer the questions - just wanted to offer alternatives: usual, common, I hate normal too!!!!

[Amakura in reply to PMRpro]

haha glad I'm not the only one. I always give medical specialists a side-eye when they begin their sentences with 'Normally....'.

[PMRpro in reply to Amakura]

To me it shows an inborne inability to admit that patients are not "normal". If they were, they wouldn't be patients ...

[Hayleyrose28]

Hi

I’ve been on azathioprine for just over 2 months and I feel incredibly drowsy after I’ve taken it. Most nights after I’ve taken it with dinner I crash out on the sofa haha.

I thought it might have just been my body being weird so I never thought of mentioning it to my rheumatologist... 🤦🏼‍♀️

Sorry I can’t be of more help with how common this is, as I’ve never heard about it before as a side effect, but the subsequent drowsiness is something I’ve experienced after taking it x

[Amakura in reply to Hayleyrose28]

So glad I'm not the only one.

I'm going to mention it to them and report back. I thought it was strange.

I'm exactly the same: as soon as I take it, I'm in a whole new world of drowsiness.

[Spanielmadlady]

Hi I was on azathioprine.i cant say I remember it making me drowsy.after 7 weeks I started being sick about 2 hrs after I'd taken it....I had developed drug induced hepatitis and had to stop taking it.i then had to wait 3 months for my liver to recover.i now take mycophenolate. Xx

[Amakura in reply to Spanielmadlady]

I'm sorry to read about your adverse reactions to the drug, not nice!

Hope the alternative is working out much better for you, though

[Spanielmadlady in reply to Amakura]

They are very powerful drugs so I guess it's to be expected they there are going to be issues.ive been on mmf for a year now and so far so good x

[Caramia64]

Following this with interest as my rheumatologist is planning to introduce this soon . Am on steroids firstly . Hope it settles for you x

[Ellenkay55]

Hello Amakura

I have been taking Azathioprine for the past 17 years since I was diagnosed with Lupus . I take it in conjunction with Prednisolone, vitamin D and, on occasions, iron tablets.I started on 150 mg daily and this was reduced over the years to 50 mg. Apart from the first few days when I had slight nausea I have not been aware of any side effects. It is important, though, to wear adequate sun protection as it makes you more likely to get skin cancer.

I hope this helps.

[MUP123]

Hi Amakura

I have been lucky with Azathiaprine as I have not suffered any side effects. I do suffer from fatigue but this is due to my SLE. A lot of people do suffer from gastric problems but I don't know of any who have suffered from tiredness but yes they have lost their appetite. Not much help but I hope you get the benefit from taking the Azathioprine.