Azathioprine not suitable now.What next?

[suffolkgirl]

Been to clinic today, and just had a call to say stop Azathioprine as it's affecting my liver. Have to go back next week now to see what else they will try. Nothing is ever straightforward for long with vasculitis!

[hamble99b Volunteer]

they sound very efficient, getting straight back to you

fortunately there a few others they might try.

let us know how you get on.

regards,

sandra.

[PatriciaAnn]

Hi Suffolkgirl

I guess it depends on what you've already had. There's Mycophenolate Mofetil (CellCept) or Methotrexate, and some others, but it depends on a number of factors, not always financial, but taking YOU into account and your disease and where you are, your results, and how you are doing.

Did they say they were going to change to another drug? Sometimes they take us off Aza for a little while to see how the liver responds then try again, maybe adjusting the dose. That's happened to me on a number of occasions. Sometimes this has been because I've had an infection or virus. Sometimes I haven't felt unwell. There are so many variables.

PatriciaAnn

[suffolkgirl in reply to PatriciaAnn]

Mycophenolate was mentioned. I've already had cyclophosphamide infusions, and the azathioprine was started as a maintenance drug at 25 mg and then 50mg per day. It was supposed to go up to 75mg but kept at 50mg for a while because liver results were not good. I obviously hadn't reached the maximum dose, so it's not looking like it's right for me.

[PatriciaAnn]

I've had Mycophenolate - had it for about four years, after the cyclo infusions. If they change you to that one I hope it works OK and better than the Aza. Fingers x'd

PatriciaAnn

[suffolkgirl in reply to PatriciaAnn]

Thank you. Just have to wait for a letter or phone call now for clinic this week.

[PoppyS]

Hi, I was on Azathioprine but on lowering the dose had flares and it was affecting bloods so after the second flare they looked at all the alternatives like Mycophenolate, Methotrexate etc and decided the only thing suitable was Rituximab infusions. I have WG and have been on these infusions for nearly two years now and have felt so much better. I am now down to half a mg of steroids and feel quite well. Started with WG in 2009.

I am sure they will use the most appropriate treatment. Hope all goes well.

[Swissie]

Hi. That's not easy, last thing you need I am sure. I just finished 7 cycles of cyclophosphamide and have started Azathioprin at 50mg. Sounds like we are at a similar stage in treatment. Will have a blood test in 2 weeks to determine if Azathioprin is working. Will be interested to see what alternative they offer you. I hope they sort you out soon.

[chrissy60]

I think this was the one that caused my mums pancreitis as when i was looking through her pharmacy list in hospital she is not taking it any more but i dont think they have substituted it with anything else