I have WG and just starting on Azthripine dr... - Vasculitis UK
I have WG and just starting on Azthripine drug can anyone tell me about any adverse effects or what to expect
I have been on it for a few months with no problems, I am currently taking 3 50mg tabs daily, but my consultant wants me to change my dosage to 4 daily in the next couple of weeks so he can reduce my prednisalone, which i am currently taking 20mg daily. Hope this helps.
I was started on Azathioprene after my Cyclophosphamide but I reacted badly to it.
Apparently I do not have an enzyme in my body which metabolises this drug. My routine blood test showed that my liver toxicity levels were off the scale so I was taken off it immediately.
If you start to feel very unwell when taking it, contact your GP/Consultant immediately who will probably do a blood test 1st to determine if your liver results are ok.
Fingers crossed though you will be fine like most people. I was just unlucky I guess. 
Azathioprine is the weakest of all the immune suppressants used for treating Vasculitis and does not suit everyone. Azathioprine did nothing for John in fact is WG returned almost immediately and he was very ill... so if you do start to feel unwell contact your consultant.. but as Berkshirebird has said, many people are fine with it. Hope it all goes well for you 
take care Susan
Many thanks for your replies these are very helpful if this doesn,t work I will be trying
Rituximab
Although I had the blood test prior to starting taking Aza and it showed that I had the enzyme to metabolise it I reacted very badly at about 3 weeks. I was taking 200mg daily. The reaction happened very quickly so watch for any unusual symptoms and report them immediatly. I was seriously ill. Now on Plaquenil and Methotrexate. Good luck
Just to following the comments that have been made previously. I had my initial 3 months’ worth of Intravenous Cyclophosphamide. As I was responding to the treatment the consultant considered putting me on Azathioprine as it was considered a "lesser evil" but blood tests show I was had low TPMT (an enzyme) activity. I was therefore likely to be sensitive to the drug. Some people with the low enzyme are still able to take the drug and for other it means their bllod count might drop. However it does not mean you cannot take it just that you need monitor. Just something to ask the consultant about.
Hi Archie, I was prescribed Azathioprine when I had my relapse, apart from the chronic fatigue, I don't recall any adverse affects from it. Each of us are different, and we react differently. Good luck
Llinos
I took it for years. At first I had a few liver problems and they would reduce the dose for a while then put it up again. I soon got used to it. After taking it for so long it wasn't working so well and in June I came off it and started Rituximab which seems to be working for me.
i took for wg and was very ill with sickness and diorea but it 2weeks to find out that it was this drug that was making me ill.i was admitted to hospital because i was so unwell.but every one acts differently to any drug.good luck
I have WG. I started on Aza (100mg) about 6 weeks ago after a combination of cyclo and Rituximab. I was okay for the first three weeks and then I started to have very bad bouts of nausea and vomitting mid morning. I split the dose taking one in the morning and the other after dinner in the evening and have been fine since. Good luck.
Dear Archie,
I have been on Aza. since falling ill, fifteen years ago, and am on 150mg daily, along with pred.; and other drugs as well. I am also on dialysis, three times a week, and am still alive; despite all preditions!!
I don't know if any of this helps you, at all. Good luck anyway.
AndrewT
Many thanks for all your replies, I have today had my first infusion of Rituximab as well as
Aza.
Good luck to you all
Hope all is well with you Archie
