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Posted 1/29/2012 12:22 AM (GMT 0)

Hey everyone!

My doctors are considering switching me from CellCept to Imuran. Just wondering if anyone else has taken Imuran & what kind of experience you may have had on this med?

Any input or advice is welcome!

Thanks!

Posted 1/29/2012 1:29 PM (GMT 0)
I used to take Imuran before taking Cellcept. I cannot tolerate the drug and I got serious reaction. I lost all my hair, had horrible mouth ulcer, dropped WBC, dropped platelet, higher fever due to extremely low WBC (close to zero). I was hospitalized for ten days, and I looked exactly like a person who has chemo. Then few years later another rhumty starts me on Cellcept and it works extremely well on me.

If you are stable and no flares, better to stay on the same drug you are taking (in your case is Cellcept). That's what my rhumty always tells me, because I tried to ask if I should try those new Lupie drugs.

 

Posted 1/29/2012 4:56 PM (GMT 0)
I, too, had an extremely negative reaction to Imuran. Cellcept has been a miracle drug for me. That said, everyone is different and there is no way to predict how you would handle the Imuran. Is the Cellcept no longer as effective for you? I guess I just wonder why your doctors would want to "rock the boat" so to speak. Hope all works out well for you!
Posted 1/29/2012 6:05 PM (GMT 0)
Like Fran says, everyone with Lupus reacts differently. I assume they are considering Imuran because Cellcept isn't working for you, which is a reasonable change. The three meds they generally try first are Imuran, Cellcept and MTX.

I was on Imuran for several months without any side effects (if I recall correctly, listed side effects for Imuran are less toxic than Cellcept ones.)

Generally Drs don't change meds for no reason, so if you need to question their reasoning, do so, but overall I suggest following the Dr's (rheumys) advice.
Posted 1/29/2012 8:29 PM (GMT 0)
As Lynnwood suggests your rheumy is probably suggesting imuran because cellcept is not working.  Imuran has been around for decades and does work for many and is usually well tolerated.  A few have an immediate allergic reaction and are immediately withdrawn but most do not.  Others might have problems after being on it a long time.  The main problems are lowering RBC, platelets and WBC counts.  I was on it for 18 months with no problems then it hit my blood.  I reduced dosage and was on it with no problems for several more years.

Every patient is different so what works for one might not work for another.  Same for side effects.  Imuran is generally safe.  One negative is that it takes months (6+) before it is fully effective so be patient if you go on it.

http://www.medicinenet.com/azathioprine/article.htm

Good luck,

Bill

Posted 1/29/2012 9:10 PM (GMT 0)
I was on Imuran for a year and did just fine. they had to switch it cause it wasnt the perfect drug for me but no side effects! Good luck with it.
Posted 2/2/2012 5:05 PM (GMT 0)
Every medication is different on people. Some can take asprin, I can't.

Cellcept gave me hives.

Immuran I became in that 1% whom became toxic to it. I have severe diarraha and vomiting to the point where I actually violently shook because I was in shock. I had to get IV's hydrating me 3 times a week. Then I started vomiting blood and having blood diarraha.Turns out, it was internal bleeding. I lost my hair. I guess I brought a new term to the phrase "sicker than a dog"
Posted 2/5/2012 3:07 PM (GMT 0)
I have been taking Imuran for years now....50 mgs, 3 times a day. I have done just fine on it. Listen to what your doctor recomends and go from there. We are all so different what works for one, doesn't work for another. Good Luck...Hugs...
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