Alternative to azathioprine

[Lioness42]

Just wondering if anyone has had to stop taking azathioprine. What was the alternative you were given. Thanks

[Spanielmadlady]

Hi.yes I had to stop it after 7 weeks because I developed drug induced hepatitis. I had to wait 3 months for my liver to recover before trying mmf.ive been on mmf for 3 1/2 years now x

[Tiggywoos in reply to Spanielmadlady]

my husband currently has drug induced liver injury from azathrioprine which is a shame because it worked well for his colitis . Think they start him on Jak inhibitors next week . I’m glad as I bet you are that your liver recovered 😔😘x

[Spanielmadlady in reply to Tiggywoos]

Yes thankfully it starts to recover as soon as the drug is stopped.it wasnt pleasant as I'm sure hubby can testify .I hope his recovery is swift and the new meds help x🤗x

[Tiggywoos in reply to Spanielmadlady]

ah thank you . 😘

[CarolMcl]

Hi, I had to stop it as my liver became deranged. My rheumatologist waited until my liver recovered and tried again, same result, deranged liver and vomiting. I was then put on methotrexate which initially caused stomach upset until it was replaced an injectable pen, have had no issues since 🌹

[nada28]

Hi I was on it but changed because it was interfering with my liver function as well. I am on mycophenalat mofetil now instead xx

[Sara_A]

Hi I too had deranged liver function tests so stopped the azathioprine then tried it again same thing happened and then went on to myco which I was on fine for a while but it became ineffective after a while so I went onto sulfasalazine and I reacted really badly to that (personally) in that I had extreme extreme fatigue I couldn't even walk a few metres to the end of our rd!So once we realised that was the cause stopped that and started methotrexate and that's where I am now! 25mgs injectable pens

[MUP123]

Hi After about 5 years of taking Azathioprine my ALT (Liver Function blood test) started to rise to a level that showed possible liver damage. So Azathioprine was stopped, and I was started on Methotrexate. I have been taking Methotrexate for two and a half years, and my ALT has risen again. So it looks like another change is on the offing. I hope this helps.