azathiroprine

ichabod6

I have used this drug in various dosages for well
over five years now.
In that time I have certainly used three different
pharmacists (possibly four or more) to provide the
medication. On every occasion the instructions have
been to take it before a meal or with food. Last month
I read the information leaflet enclosed with my most
recent and was surprised to read "take it at least one
hour before food or at least three hours after food."
My pharmacist says to continue as prescribed; the
marketing authorised holder says take it as the
manufacturer's directions. the mah is Sandoz ltd.
Has anyone had experience of this? I think I will
report the matter to mhra.

barbara12

I haven't come across this ichabod6, glad to hear you are reporting it..not good when you have been on it for 5 years..

daffy2

I wonder if the drug company has been doing some investigation into absorption and found that food is inhibiting uptake, hence the revised advice? It's not helpful for you to be piggy in the middle though. I take it the mah didn't give any reason for the differing advice?

stickywicket

I was once told by a nurse (not an infallible source but a usefully informed one) that meds packets only say to take on an empty stomach because drugs work quicker that way.

I take nothing on an empty stomach except omeprazole (to protect my stomach). All my meds work well.

ichabod6

Thanks for your responses ladies.
One pharmacist says take it with food to help the tummy
to ward off possible side effects or counter reactions.
I saw my ra consultant yesterday. For the last two years or
so at my request she has gradually reduced the dosage of#azathiroprine and I'm very happy to tell you that she has
now taken me off it.
She is satisfied that a two weekly stab of humira will do the
trick for me and I'm happy with that.
So I no longer have the problem, but I have reported it to
mhra and have had an acknowledgement.
I'll post again if I receive more.

ichabod6

Because my consultant has now taken me off this medication
I have been disposing of the patient information leaflets I have
collected and one reads "Take your tablet(s) during meals."
the mha in this case is Arrow Generics.