Hello Everyone,

I have started Azathioprine today, after a false start last week (suspected naproxen and Azathioprine interaction, caused dizziness and pins and needles).
I took various NSAIDs alone for over 40 years, but after a particularly difficult couple of years , I have been on methotrexate, etanacept, Leflunomide, tocillizumab and abatacept, all with various side effects, or in the case of enbrel (which i loved) causing infection, that made it necessary to discontinue all. Has anyone any experience of Azathioprine , good or bad , so I can know what to expect. Thanks so much in anticipation.

Jennyxx

Hi Jenny

I started Azathioprine 2 months ago (along with Humira). I did find it made me feel ill if I stepped up the dose too quickly, so I went one tablet for 3 weeks, then one and a half for 3 weeks, then two. I did need to take anti-sickness tablets initially as well! The aim was to get to 3 tablets!! Splitting the dose helped ie half in the morning and half at tea time - but it does need to be taken with food to reduce the sickness and dizziness. I take stemitel for the sickness.

Unfortunately I have had loads of infections since being on it and needed antibiotics 3 times, so I have now been told to have 3 days off completely, then just take 1 tablet until I go the hospital in 2 weeks time! (they made me an urgent appointment). I am still on antibiotics for a urine infection, having still got a chest infection. Having had no infections for about 4 years, I am suspicious that the combination is reducing my immune system too much... although I have to say that Humira and Aza were doing a good job on the RA together. The Humira alone, was also needing steroids, just 1 mg a day.

So I would say, try it but split the dose - ie half a tablet in the morning and half in the evening - and take it with food. And perhaps step up the dose much slower than they suggest, especially if you feel sick. When I got up to 2 tablets I wasn't having any problems with sickness etc, it was just initially.

I also couldn't tolerate MTX, sulphasalazine, leflunomide. I had hoped azathioprine was going to work... but the jury is still out!!

Let me know how you get on.

love Anne x

Thank you so much Jean
Jennyxx

Thank you so much, Doreen,
On my second day now, and so far so good, spoiled a little, by just receiving a letter from my consultant saying he would like to gradually raise dose to 125 mg, which fills me with horror. Take care,

Jennyxx

Thanks so much for your info, Anne, I have these rotten pins and needles again, and a slight feeling my heart is racing, a couple of hours after taking the first tablet. I'm with you, I cannot imagine taking more! At the moment I am only taking paracetamol and codeine as well, and to be honest, don't feel very good. I'm a bit fed up with the whole thing. Glad to hear Humira is good for you, I think I might ask about it at my next appointment. Once again, thanks so much and take care.
Jennyxx

Hi Jenny

I've now been told to stop the Azathipprine as I still can't shift these infections!! Been told I can up the steroids in the meantime while they decided what to do!! I can still take the Humira so I know I shouldn't get a major flair... but my joints are now beginning to hurt again! Although nothing like they were!!

Azathioprine is obviously working for me... but not much good if I get infections all the time!! Sounds like you've had similar problems.

I have pins and needles all the time (from having had Guillain barre) - so it's difficult for me to tell if certain drugs make it worse.

Hope they come up with something good for you soon.

Anne