Imuran vs Prednisone vs Methodrexate update

Hello, everyone, again! A while back I had posted that rheumy was thinking of starting Imuran. Everyone was very helpful and I really appreciate it. I ended up on a quick pred burst (wow was that great).
So, Rheumy did some blood work and we decided to give Imuran a try. Yesterday was day 10. Oh man, did I get sick. Temp up to 104.2, face, throat and neck swelled, and I couldn't catch my breath. Called rheumy who sent me in for a flu test, once flu was ruled out, he took me off the Imuran. Said I had a delayed, but very SEVERE reaction to the drug. Apparently, some people just can't tolerate it and I seem to be one of them. Today I am somewhat better (and full of Benadryl and Tylenal). I have to go back to the rheumy next week. I've had reactions before, but I don't ever remember spiking such a high fever! I think I really scared my DH! I honestly don't remember most of yesterday, but I guess I was pretty bad. I know that I will deal with the lupus symptoms before I'll ever try Imuran, again!
Hope everyone is having a good day!

Hi Fran,

I had the same kind of thing happen to me with Imuran.  I tolerated it ok for a week or so, then started to develop a low grade temp, then started with back pain.  The back pain got worse and worse, thought it might be kidney pain, finally went in to the doc and he wanted to do a lumbar puncture.  He was thinking that the temp along with the back pain (to the point I was having trouble walking) might possibly be spinal meningitis.  I asked him to talk to my nephrologist first and the first thing he did was tell him to take me off the Imuran.  Within 2 days the symptoms were gone.  It might be that Imuran is one of those drugs that take a little bit to develop a reaction to.  I'm glad they figured it out with you too!

Lori

Always Rosie, Lori, and Barbara,
Thank you so much for your replies.
I really appreciate it!
What's really strange is that, while it took 10 days or so for the reaction to occur, when it did, it was so fast!
Lori and Barbara - I am so sorry that you know EXACTLY what I was talking about, but so grateful that I am not the only one. I know it's strange, but, for some reason, I don't feel quite as weird about the whole thing, now. LOL
I have now missed 5 doses of Imuran and I am well on my way back to normal (well, for me, anyways).
There are still some shooting pains from behind my eyes straight down my neck into my back. But they are becoming less severe and occurring less often. Thank God!
Again, I thank you!