Starting Azathioprine

The pharmacist was definately overreacting - a lot of people take azathioprine for a whole range of auto-immune diseases without major problems (and it's certainly a lot safer than drugs like Remicade if it works for you). Just make sure to get regular bloodwork done initially. Has your doctor recommended that you start off on a lower dose and move up to the full dose? You may feel a little ill at first on it, and some people feel quite drained after taking their daily dose so I'd recommend that you take it at bedtime at least initially so that you can avoid that side-effect. Good luck sweetie and don't fret about it! :)

Hey,i was put on aza at 150mg a night 18 mnths ago.my pharmacist was the same.put the scares up me!but,i have not had a single problem at all.ok,maybe bit tired on and off during day,but i take antideprsnts aswell so could be them.dnt fret,manypeople take them.i havent had any side effects at all!had bloods taken regular,and always fine.now have bloods every 3rd mnth.thng iS,i still having minor crhns issues.

The FDA did come out with a warning, stating that if you have Crohn's/Colitis, that your first step should not be medications such as Azath or Remi/Humira since it increases cancer risk of a very specific form of lukemia. You can find the warning on the NIH website.
HOWEVER, that is a very rare form of cancer, and as long as you get blood tests done regularly, you should be safe. I have been on Azath since last June and have had no problems except for tiredness and an increased risk of getting infections. My blood work has been normal (as normal as can be, rather), and it seems to be controlling some of the symptoms. Also, a LOT of people take it for their disease, not just Crohnies, and for the vast majority, Imuran is totally safe. Just do your research, know what to look for, and follow your doctor's advice! Knowledge helps a lot with the fear, at least for me. Cheers!

Your doctor should have done a test called a Pro-PredictR EnzAct first before starting the medicine. Im not sure what exactly it tests for but I know that people who score a certain range on that test (I believe lower, but don't quote me), have a higher chance of getting cancer. That is a low dose you are on, but I think it has to do with weight and how some of your blood tests look. But you should be getting CBC and a CMP every 2 weeks for a while at first, to check your liver and to monitor that body doesn't look like it's getting lymphoma. It is scary, but read the packet it came with, educate yourself, listen to your body, but don't stress. It's been prescribed for a while now so the doctors know what to look for if anything needs to be worried about. But crohn's and colitis pt's DO have the higher risk for developing the cancer, which makes it a little scary for us (my husband has been on it for about 5 months). It can be VERY helpful in repairing several problems that crohn's can create (I know it was the ulcers and abscess's was the reason my husband was put on it). Good luck, and don't worry, call your doctor if you want to talk about it more, he should be there for you if you are worried!
I hope it helps you!