i have GPA Valastitis for 3 years have been in remission for 1 year. i take imuran 150ml a day. i have had 4 skin cancer surgeries in the last 8 months. My Dr. says yes Imuran can be the cause of many cancers. My question is do i stop taking Imuran and hope my valastitis stays in remission, or do stay n it and take the chance of more cancer?
my Dr. says it is up to me. What is your knowledge about this issue and or advice.
Thank You,
Bonnie
You need to talk to your vasculitis doctor about this.
Yes Imuran/Azathioprine can cause skin cancers. But it is currently controlling your GPA. If you stop it you won't be so well protected, and could have a relapse. GPA can cause irreversible organ damage, and at worst death.
There are alternative immunosuppressive treatments that could be used long term instead of Imuran. For example Methotrexate, or Mycophenolate Mofetil (also known as Cellcept in some parts of the world). Or Rituximab (= Rituxan) long term. And there are other less commonly used treatments.
But you need to have a serious chat with your vasculitis medic. You need to discuss how your GPA is doing, what might happen if you stop Imuran, and what other options there might be. Because there are loads of them, without dropping treatment altogether.
Good luck!
Dear Bonnie,
I'm NOT 'on' quite the same Drugs, as you, but have had similar 'Problems'. I have Non- Specific ANCA Vasculitis, which has Primarily affected my Brain, Heart and Kidneys. I had a Kidney Transplant, In July 2013- yes SIX years ago! I am therefore on several Drugs, though primarily, Tacrolimus and Prednisolone. The Hospital, that I'm under- Ipswich Hospital- are VERY aware of my Condition. My main Consultant, Dr Andi, sees me regularly as does their Dermatology Department. Yes I have had both Non Malignant and Malignant Carcinomas, which they have removed both quickly, and thoughly. (I was once told that, since I am a Transplant Patient, the Specification is that....I should be Seem within Two Weeks but that 'They', would hope, to see me 'A Darn Sight Sooner Than That').
I think that, realistically speaking, you DO need to 'Prompt' your Doctors/ Consultants into offering a Bit More Advice. How are you, at the, 'Scared/ Frightened Patient'? Indeed how are you at the 'Water Works'? Maybe the 'VERY Confused, too much information' bit. Yes I KNOW but it often WORKS! Actually the 'Confused' might NOT be too far off, might it?
To answer you question specifically....I DO continue to take My Medication though, as I said, my circumstances are different to yours- I would fall, Very Ill Indeed- in fact, quite probably DIE, if I DID stop.
Sorry that I can't be more help Bonnie. I hope that I HAVE given you a few 'Pointers' though. Whatever you decide my thoughts, and Prayers, are with you. Kindest Regards.
AndrewT
Hello Andrew, thank you for the information. i have GPA Valaitis,and i am in remission now for a year. i have had 4 skin cancer surgeries in the last 8 months. i know imuran causes several types of cancers. i did talk to my Dr. about going off imuran. her response is my labs are good,i am doing well and to let her know if i want to go off imuran, knowing the risks? I am undecided. i don't like the risk of full blown GPA Valastitis , now do i like the idea of cancer showing up every 2 months I have been very positive and calm through this disease, am not a crier, or confused except with what decision to make. i am not a scared, frightened patient. i think maybe i will ask for more information and give my self time to see what the best decision is. i have not been offered any other medicine , i don't know what risks go along with other medicine . than you for your input, thoughts and prayers.
My prayers go out to you also.
God bless,
Bonnie
Covid booster
Small Vessel Vasculitis and Methotrexate 
anyone with Churg Strauss come off all medication? 
Rituximab experience?
