Azathioprine

Natalie1712
Natalie1712 Member Posts: 63
edited 19. Nov 2017, 14:43 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi everyone

I’m looking for a bit of advice. Some of you may know I came off methotrexate to try to conceive a baby a few months ago. My RA has been glaring badly these past months and although it doesn’t directly affect my reproductive system, the specialists have agreed that as my body is too busy fighting the RA it has basically forgotten that I’m a woman and isn’t working on my ovaries so much if you know what I mean.

I’m allergic to sulphasalazine so they have suggested I start taking azathioprine. To be honest I found it strange that it took them so long to mention it as they previously said only sulpha was safe. I’ve looked at a few different sites for information and the only site that says it’s safe to take during pregnancy is the arthritis.co.uk one. Everywhere else says it’s not safe so I’m a bit confused to say the least?

Does anyone know anything about this or could give me a bit more information? I haven’t had the chance to speak to my doctor yet but I will be getting in touch with him next week hopefully. Obviously I feel it’s best for myself to take something to help ease my RA symptoms and get my reproductive system to work normally but I would not want to risk the health of a baby if I were to fall pregnant?

Any advice would be appreciated :)

Natalie x

Comments

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 3,635
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Natalie

    I'm sure our members can offer you lots of insight into this. Azathioprine isnt a drug im familiar with. You do seem quite well read up on it, if youre still looking for more info:

    Arthritis Research UK have a booklet you can download at https://www.arthritisresearchuk.org/arthritis-information/drugs/azathioprine.aspx

    You might also find it helpful to speak to one of our Helpline team on 0808 800 4050

    Please let us know how you get on

    Good Luck

    Sharon T
  • Natalie1712
    Natalie1712 Member Posts: 63
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Sharon

    Thanks for your reply. I will have a look at the information you have provided.

    Yes I’ve read loads and everywhere it says not to take with pregnancy. I’m thinking maybe it’s only recently been given the okay and all the sites haven’t been updated as such yet? It would make sense why I was told months ago there was nothing else I could take and now all of a sudden they are offering this?

    Hopefully someone has further information but I will try and speak to my rheumatologist this week.

    Natalie x

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