Azathioprine side effects

[Chipper03]

Hi I have EGPA and have been taking azathioprine and prednisolone for 10 years. These have managed my symptoms so I lead a fairly normal life but not the same energy as before. From the start consultant warned that azathioprine has some severe side effects, including a higher risk of skin cancer, and it have asked respiratory consultant to reduce or change from azathioprine but am told not to touch what is working.

My major health issue these last few months is bowel cancer, I’m recovering from the surgery a few weeks ago. Results from analysis of the cancer, lymph nodes etc that they removed is that there is no spread at all, which is a fantastic relief, but that the cancer is in a category called ‘mucinous’, more likely to return and faster growing. So now I’m wondering if azathioprine could be contributing to the higher mucinous nature of my body, or if EGPA could be an underlying factor. I will of course ask the cancer surgeon and respiratory consultant when I see them, but know that sadly they have low experience/knowledge of vasculitis.

Any thoughts?

[Red-head44]

Hi Chipper

I have been on pred and azathioprine for three years and they reduced aza to 100mg from 150mg five months ago and now I’m having a relapse! I’ve gone back up to 250mg but they are looking to see if they can change aza to something else. Agree with your thoughts on cancer and I myself find I am having pains in my tummy which I think are bowel connected so will now get this checked. I’m sure we would all like to hear if others have any issues with cancer and azathioprine. I have GPA

[Chipper03 in reply to Red-head44]

Thanks for your reply, Red-head44, so sorry to hear you’ve had a relapse. Over the years I’ve gathered there are alternatives to azathioprine but I haven’t managed to persuade the consultant to try a change. Good luck with looking in to the tummy pains, I do hope it’s nothing extra you have to deal with.

[Skipper]

So sorry to hear about your bowel cancer. I took Azathiaprine for about 10 years but I have had a lot of skin cancers which have been successfully taken out even though I kept covered up in the sun. I was taken off it about 2 years ago because of this and had 3 courses of Rituxamab which keeps me feeling reasonably well. However, I am still getting skin cancers but am well looked after by the Dermatologist. By the way I have GPA.

With all good wishes

[Chipper03 in reply to Skipper]

Thanks Skipper for the reply. Interesting to hear about Rituximab as a possible alternative. Best wishes to you