azathioprine

cassie01
cassie01 Member Posts: 3
edited 7. Feb 2009, 16:53 in Living with Arthritis archive
I am waiting to try azathioprine having tried 4 other drugs for my RA has anyone else tried it and how has it been?

Comments

  • scattered
    scattered Member Posts: 326
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I was put on it at Christmas - low dose to start with, 50mg, due to go up to 125mg next week. I've had no side-effects so far. I just don't always remember to take the evening pill with dinner. Still waiting for any positive effect but wasn't expecting any 'til I've been taking the 125mg dose for a few months.
  • sweetpea
    sweetpea Member Posts: 22
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Cassie01
    I'm on azathioprine and have been for the last 2 months as we are trying to start a family. Have previously been on mtx and leflunomide which was my miracle drug combo and sulfasalzine which does nothing for me. I am noticing a better effect from the azathioprine but am starting enbrel next week alonside azathiporine as I have so much permanent damage and its not really powerful enough to control my current flare. I would say tho that its taken up to the 2nd month to have an impact on me so give it time when you do decide to start.
    Must admit out of all the dmards I have been on this drug has given me no side effects and it has helped to calm my flare down. Everybody has different responses to the drugs but personally I would recommend going on it. If you have failed 4 other dmards then I think you are a prime candidate for the biologics which may do more to help your RA (I have PA). Have you enquired about the anti tnf (biologic) drugs? Its probably worth asking your rheumy if you haven't. From what I hear, most people are having a great response using these drugs in combination with a dmard. Hope that helps a little. Good luck :)
  • cassie01
    cassie01 Member Posts: 3
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    No my rhemy hasn't mentioned this I have been on metx but it didn't agree with me so came off it, the last drug I was on was Hydroxychlorine which was giving me really bad headaches,anyway just before Christmas I was rushed into hospital admitted into the intensive care unit with something called pericardial effusion, fluid on my liver, lungs heart and kidneys which had to be drained and I had to stay in ICU for 5 days luckily got out on Christmas Eve they reckon this has all been brought on by the different medicines that I have been on over the last 2 yearsI have been on Perdnisolone eversince gradually reducing but am waiting on blood results to improve before this new drug. But being on such a high dose of steriods I have gained weight, my face is all spotty aans red and looks like a giant football I laugh when people say it's not that bad you hardly notice it on yeah!!!!!
    Has anyone else has this problem?
  • sweetpea
    sweetpea Member Posts: 22
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Sounds like you have had a really tough time lately-poor you.
    I think 'moon face' can be a common side effect of long term steroids. As I said before I have had no side effects from azathioprine and it has helped to some extend with my joints. If you do decide to start it, I hope you have a similiar response with no problems. If not, I wish you well in finding a drug that works well for you with few side effects. It can be a bit of a roller coaster ride at times to achieve that! :)

Categories