Side effect of Azathioprine

[parojulie123]

I am 2.5 months post transplant. Everything is working ok for me except blood counts.

I am on Tacrolimus, Azathioprine and Prednisone along with usual anti biotics, viral meds.

Due to Azathioprine( 100mg) sides effects my blood countS - RBC, Hemoglobin, WBC and platelets started dropping. They dropped gradually over weeks until the levels went too low and was asked to stop the med. Once I stopped , the counts started improving over a month.

Now I have been asked to resume Azathioprine again at 50mg. I am scared that its going to mess the blood counts again.

Did anyone had such side effect from this drug? What was the alternative??

[erchris17]

This may not help but I am 9.5 years post transplant and I have only taken Tacrolimus and Mycophenalate. Maybe speak to your doctor and see if it’s possible to remove or switch any of the other meds.

[Dara3351]

I am on tacrolimus and mycophenalate. At one point my mycophenalate was reduced and prednisone was given 10mg. I am back to tacrolimus and mycophenalate. Talk to your Dr. Your labs will fluctuate, your transplant team will monitor. My. Doctor wanted to put me on some medicine and after looking at the side effects, I said No! I had another Doctor put me on metformin and my regular Dr took me off because my A1C was below 5. I have a Masters in Health and Safety and do my research. Please talk to your Doctor and always ask questions.

[Hidden]

I was on a Azathioprine until a primary care physician mixed alopurinol in with my drug regimen. You cannot take those two particular medications in tandem or they will cause anemia and leukopenia. Something similar may be happening with you. Ask your doctor about that and see if there is an alternative drug. At the end of the day, it's your decision. I was taken off of Azathioprine put on CellCept, but would not take the full dose of CellCept until my red and white count increased to a normal level. I never returned to Azathioprine dosing.

[parojulie123]

Thanks for your responses. I will repeat labs on Tuesday and will check the levels.

If I see a drop I would talk to doctor on alternatives