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azathioprine - anyone take this? Options
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Anne-P
#1 Posted : Friday, March 02, 2012 9:11:00 PM Quote
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Joined: 2/14/2011
Posts: 301
Location: South Hampshire
Does anyone else take azathioprine?

It has been suggested that I go onto this along with the Humira as I can't tolerate MTX, Leflunomide or sulfasalazine. The humira isn't quite holding the RA at bay without low dose steroids (which I need to get off!)

Would like to know anyone else's experiences. I was told it can increase your risk of cancer - although I'm running out of things to try!!

Anne x
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Scattered
#2 Posted : Saturday, March 03, 2012 11:17:56 AM Quote
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I took azathioprine with Humira and it worked wonders. I had a short period of remission before rmy RA started to get really active again. Eventually I was taking the max dose of azathioprine with Humira and hydroxychloroquine and prednisolone. Towards the end the azathioprine caused my white cell count to disappear so you need to keep up with the 2 weekly blood tests, but if anything does happen it will be caught early. Unfortunatey for me my RA just became to strong for the medication, which is what has happened for every medication I've been on so not the azathioprines fault. It was worth it for the only period of remission I've ever had though.
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LynW
#3 Posted : Saturday, March 03, 2012 2:35:41 PM Quote
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Joined: 12/4/2009
Posts: 2,127
Location: Thornton Cleveleys
Hi Anne

I had Azathioprine years ago but it didn't cut the mustard for me. That said it wasn't with an anti-tnf and that could make all the difference. Unfortunately many of these medications carry 'big' risks with them but as you say when you're reaching the point of last resort, options are limited. Thankfully there is a lot of research ongoing which will hopefully open the way to many more treatments becoming available.

At the moment I'm on an increased dose of prednisolone to keep the RA at bay whilst I wait to see the outcome of Riruximab. I have been on steroids, in varying doses, for almost 24 years and can't now cut them out completely, 3mg is the minimum I have ever achieved ... still, it's better than 10mg I guess!

Good luck should you decide to go with Azathioprine ThumpUp

Lyn x
My son, Ian, completed the BUPA Great North Run on 15th September running for the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS). You can read his story at http://www.justgiving.com/ianlukewilson

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