stopping mycophenolate starting azathropine - any experience/ tips?

[Beau2016]

hi I’ve been taking my 2g mycophenolate for 12 months and 3g for 4 months, Drs have decided today it’s not working and I need to stop and try azathropine instead.

I’m just waiting for all the tests to come back before I can go ahead with next appointment but just wondering:

Did you have to taper off mycophenolate or can you just stop taking it?

Do you have to be off mycophenolate before you can start azathropine?

How long did azathropine take to work?

Did you feel worse when coming off mycophenolate before the azathropine kicks in?

My Dr said next step was biologics but as I’ve only tried mycophenolate I can’t be prescribed them till I try azathropine. So I’m really hoping it helps!

[Tinkabell555]

hi Beau, I can’t answer everything but I’ve been on azathioprine for 4 years now. I recently tried to transition to mycophenalate unsuccessfully now I’m back on aza. So I had to wean down aza first from 3 to 2 to 1 a day, per week. Last day of aza, the next day I started on one myco tablet. So I imagine your transition will be the same, wean down much once you’ve had the last tablet you start with one aza and build up to 3x a day after first two weeks.

I didn’t feel too bad between the transition.

However when I first started azathioprine I felt quite poorly with feverish like symptoms and aches n it did take a few attempts for my body to take to it but perseverance helped n eventually I live with it with no side effects. Also 2 weekly blood tests until things are stable.

Good luck hope it helps for you

[Beau2016 in reply to Tinkabell555]

Hi there thanks so much for your reply, thats really helpful to know.

I haven't had any side effects at all with mycophenolate on 2 grams or when I went up to 3, so I do worry about that, but it also doesn't really appear to have done anything at all to help!

I can't taper my steroids and feel so awful every time I try, I get nervous about starting anything new.

Thanks again xx