Is anyone taking Azathiprione?

Hi, is anyone out thre taking Azathioprine. I have just been prescribed it, today. Never heard of it, and would be so pleased or not pleased!, to hear of anyone's experiences.

Jennyx

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Hi Jenny,

I've just come across this on the NRAS website:

Azathioprine

Typically 2-2.5mg/kg/day

Azathioprine is a cytotoxic drug which is very widely used for damping down the immune system. It slows down the rate at which cells divide and the aim is to slow down the rate of cell division amongst the inflammatory cells. Typical side effects would include sickness and diarrhoea. It can lower the white cell count and platelet count, making you more prone to bruising, bleeding and infection

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hi Chappy, thanks for your reply, sounds much like all the others I've tried! Oh well, fingers crossed.

Jennyx

[oldtimer]

I've just been given azothioprine - last resort I think, having been on every DMARD and had problems with every one. And not having an aggressive enough disease profile for biologics, apparently (well, I can't come off the steroids because my bone marrow stops working, so who knows).

I've started on 50mg and if no problems (that will be a first) will increase to 100mg then 150mg. Weekly blood tests at present, a bind having to go back to those.

The side effects in the leaflet seem very similar to all the other immune suppressants, although the bit about the increased risk of cancer is a bit scary - so I looked it up and felt that I was more likely to pop off with a stroke (treated but still slightly raised BP with steroids) than live long enough to get cancer and the risk was pretty small anyway.

I'd be interested to hear how you get on.

[Hidden in reply to oldtimer]

Hi, I have started Azathrioprine today, and for some reason feeling full of worry. I know you' ve only just started, but I was wondering if you've had any early effects, good or bad. My dose is 25mg twice a day. I've had really bad experience with methotrexate and Leflunomide, not to mention several biological, so I am full of jitters. I so want to have a bit of a quiet time! Would be great to have feedback.

Jenny.

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From one oldtimer to aother, I am about in the same boat! Yesterday, my consultant, looked at me, and said 'what can we do with you', doesn't bode well!

I too have tried nearly everthing too,so here I am back on Naproxen (I last took this age 23!) and Azathioprine, I am hoping to start tomorrow, depending on GP. Willo let you know how I'm doing when I'm underway, look forward hearing from you. Fingers crossed, this is the ONE.

Jennyx

[oldtimer]

So far, on 50mg, the only problem is rather loose bowels - NO sore mouth with ulcers which was a real problem with MTX. First blood test tomorrow, so hopefully no problem with the bone marrow.

I suspect the real test will come when I go up a dose - unless I have an allergic reaction like I did with Hydroxychloroquine & with suplhasalazine (and in the dim distant past, gold injections - that tells you how long I've had RA!)

Best of luck...

[Hidden in reply to oldtimer]

Hi, just wondering how your getting on with Azathioprine. I have jest started on 50 mg again, yesterday. Last Thursday, I was told to stop for a few days, because I was dizzy and had pins and needles in my arms and hands. They thought it might be the mix of naproxen and Azathioprine. So now I'm trying it on its own with just painkillers. Feel a bit fed up, and pins and needles coming back. How have you been,

Jennyx

[Hidden in reply to oldtimer]

Thanks for replying, I don't seem to get diarrhoea, just these rotten pins and needles. This morning I took both my 25mg tablets at once, by mistake, but I am till here! Good luck and keep in touch.

Jennyx

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Hi , thanks for info, bet you can't beat me 50 years of JCA. Wonderful! Popped my first pill this morning and haven't gone up in flames yet! Good luck to you too. Jenny

[oldtimer]

No can't beat you for length of time...only 35 years.

I've already got pins & needles - mainly what i call my tingly ankle socks, which is why leflunomide is a no-no.

No extra side effects yet, blood count "as expected", still nausea, stomach aches and loose. I'm not looking forward to an increase in the dose!