Azathioprine

[PenelopeVita-Finzi]

Does anyone take Azathioprine for the side--effects of steroids? If so, has it worked?

[Runrig01]

Hi I take Azathioprine to help taper steroids. I have had no side effects from taking it. I have both PMR & GCA. I find it helps the symptoms of GCA but doesn't seem to make any difference to the PMR symptoms. I started on it Feb last year, I managed to taper down to 5mfs without GCA symptoms worsening. However I stopped the Aza for 2 weeks over Xmas and it led to a huge flare in GCA symptoms so I was put back on it. Good luck if your trying it. Runrig x

[PenelopeVita-Finzi in reply to Runrig01]

Thank you. I will ask GP tomorrow to prescribe it.

[Runrig01 in reply to PenelopeVita-Finzi]

Keyes seems to have bet me to the response. She is correct in that it is prescribed by Consultants only and with close monitoring.

[Hidden]

Hi Penelope,

I may be mistaken but aren't you taking Methotrexate? Azathioprine is a similar drug to Methotrexate, it doesn't help the side effects of steroids but helps to control inflamation and hopefully allows patients to reduce the steroid dose.

In the UK it is a Consultant prescribed medication only so can't be prescribed by your GP. Also you need a blood test to check that you have enough of an enzyme called TMPT to allow your liver to metabolise the Aza.

You will need to speak to your Consultant. Good luck.

[PenelopeVita-Finzi in reply to Hidden]

Very many thanks to everyone who responded so thoughtfully. I started on Methotrexate 5 weeks ago and think I shall stick with that. I have had neither side-effects nor beneficial effects so far.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Azathioprine does not counter the side-effects of steroids. If you are lucky then you will be able to manage with a lower dose of pred, lower doses are believed to have fewer side effects, but aza and mtx both have their own side effects and don't always have the effect that is hoped for.

As Keyes has already said - only available from a specialist, GPs are not allowed to play with that sort of stuff! You have to be screened first to make sure it is safe to give it you and then have frequent blood tests while on it.

[SusanneM]

My rheumatologist is currently considering either methotrexate or Azathioprine for me. I've had PMR for 5 years and was diagnosed with GCA at the end of 2014. I have today had a chest xray and the blood test for TMPT.

I'm currently on 35mg Pred. I've had a bad chest infection and had to go back to 40mg, having managed to taper to 25.

Having had a look at both myself, I'm really not sure what the difference between the two is.

[Vpankhurst]

I have just been prescribed it by my consultant and had the necessary blood test tmpt which was ok have to have a blood test fortnightly so hope it helps with the reduction of the steriods as I seem to have flares on a regular basis

[PenelopeVita-Finzi]

Very many thanks to everyone who replied so helpfully. I am on methatrexate and sticking with that while slowly tapering steroids.