Azathioprine anyone?

L1985
L1985 Member Posts: 120
edited 5. Aug 2012, 13:28 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi everyone

At my last rhuemy appointment they said at my next appointment (beginning of sep) they will start me on Azathioprine aswel as the Plaquenil im currently taking. I have been told they think its Lupus I have.

Anyway on reading about the new tablet I was worried that it said it increased your risk of cancer...it didnt say by how much etc. Also on further research I discovered it can give you a cancer thats so bad there is nothing that can be done for you....again no comment on how common this is.

Just wondered if anyone else was taking this and how long they have been on it. Also is there a different drug to try with less risks?

Many thanks

Lulu xxx

Comments

  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hello, I can't help with the drug you mention because I've never taken it but the anti TNFs I take (and have taken) apparently all carry a risk of developing cancer. I chose to ignore that as I wanted the best I could get now and if that meant another disease then so be it. We are carefully monitored when on these meds and that is one of the reasons why. It was my blood tests that showed a problem with enbrel - I hadn't a clue as I felt fine, but my figures went from about 15 to 650 in about three weeks. I came off the drug and all was eventually well.

    Only you can weigh up the pros and cons but I think the quality of life NOW is what counts and if this med can improve that then it has to be worth a shot. Good luck with whatever you decide. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    I've not had it Lulu but I think I'm on several potentially cancer-causing meds. Even if they don't cause cancer they can cause other stuff that's just as lethal. I still swallow them happily, even though I've had cancer once. It's swings and roundabouts and we each have to make our own choices. I choose to take the meds and do everything I can to minimise risks - healthy eating, exercise, keeping weight down. I should probably get the alcohol intake down too but perfection is very boring :wink:
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • kellerman
    kellerman Member Posts: 741
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Lulu, Me thinks you've been googling. All meds have side effects and I know cancer...the word is frightening. You would be monitered really well which in itself is a good thing. I would discuss this with your rheumy and then make up your mind.
    I've had cancer 3 times now without the help of any meds.....I'm still here.
  • ichabod6
    ichabod6 Member Posts: 843
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hello Lulu,

    I've been on azathiroprine since December 2010 and it has done it for
    me. No side effects.
  • suzygirl
    suzygirl Member Posts: 2,005
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    I take azathiaprione with no problems and have done for several months now. The antibody test they do before hand is to rule out serious side effects of med.
  • L1985
    L1985 Member Posts: 120
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi everyone

    Thanks for the replies. I didnt realise that all anti tnf drugs carry the risk of cancer. Its so hard knowing whats the best thing to do. Are these drugs ones that you take for a long time or do you take them for so long then when things are improving stop?

    Im worried about taking them in my 20's but on the other hand I dont want my arthritis to progress anymore.

    Thanks again

    Lulu xxx

Categories