Vasculitis and immunosuppressants

[MAC12]

I have GPA, diagnosed 7 years ago and currently kept under control with azathioprine. I am now on a very low dose and my consultant has occasionally considered taking me off it altogether. I intend to ask him whether I should stop taking the medication for the time being until the Corvid-19 virus eases - so that my immune system has the best chance should I catch the virus. I imagine a lot of people with vasculitis will be asking the same question. I wonder if anyone else has asked their supervising doctors this question and if so what their response has been?

[Suzym2u Moderator Vasculitis UK]

This was published by NHS Rheumatology Services a few days ago if it is helpful Clinical guide for the management of rheumatology patients during the coronavirus Pandemic

england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/...

[Ping62]

Hi Mac,

I also have GPA and was taken off methotrexate about 3 weeks ago as a precaution because of a possible breathing problem. They put me back on it last week after the doctors on my case had a discussion. They obviously took covid into account but seem more concerned with treating the GPA. I'm not pushing them for more info because I'm sure they're under pressure at the moment.

[MAC12 in reply to Ping62]

Many thanks, that's interesting to know. I guess all our cases are different and we'll be trying to get the best advice. Best wishes to you

[Halebopp]

I have Anca Vasculitis, p-anca MPO. I was diagnosed nearly 6 years ago. I was treated with prednisone & cytoxin. After 6 months I was removed from the cytoxin & placed on azathioprene. I was removed from prednisone after 9 months. I asked my doctors 2 years ago to remove me from the azathioprene , as I had been on it for over 3 years. They felt it was a risk, but admitted no one really knows how long we need to be on it. However, they stepped my blood tests & urine tests up to monthly. It’s now been nearly 2 years since I’ve been on any medications & I remain stable. My doctors just moved the lab testing back to every 3 months & my office visits to every 6 months. I will add that my doctors are with a teaching hospital & I feel I’m in good hands. I have to remain proactive with my health & research everything. One more thing, azathioprene has a half life, meaning it will remain in your system for a period of time after it’s discontinued.