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Azathioprine & Elevated Liver Enzymes

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Posted 2/3/2010 3:19 AM (GMT 0)
It seems as if I'm running out of options.  My GI started me on Azathioprine about two months ago to help control a flare that began last July.  I have also been on pred which I've been tapering (now down from 40mg to 12.5mg p/day).  The Azathioprine was prescribed as a safer alternative and to help me off the pred.  I received news from my GI today that my liver enzymes are elevated and that I need to stop the Azathioprine.  I have an appointment for a consultation with him on Feb. 11th.  Where we go from here I have no idea.  I have no insurance as I'm virtually uninsurable after a femoral bypass surgery about three years ago which means Remicade is probably out of the question cost wise.  I'm still taking Asacol and hydrocortisone enemas daily. 

I guess I just needed to vent and I'm getting a bit worried.  I probably shouldn't get all worked up until I see what my GI has to say..... 

Posted 2/3/2010 4:07 AM (GMT 0)
I'm so sorry! Your signature makes your position on UC and diet pretty clear, but maybe trying something like the scd or the david klein diet might give you some relief while you figure out your next move? As far as drugs are concerned, have you tried sulfasalzine? It's very cheap and I've been advised by my daughter's new GI (who is conidered the best in the country) that it's now gemerally accepted that it is more effective than the other ASA drugs (because it has an antimicrobal component as well as an anti-inflammatory one). Good luck either way.
Posted 2/3/2010 4:16 AM (GMT 0)

killcolitis said...
As far as drugs are concerned, have you tried sulfasalzine?

Sulfasalzine will be one of the questions for my GI on Feb. 11th.  I did try modifying my diet the first time I flared.  Basically I just lost energy etc.  I find that eating a healthy variety serves me best.  Thanks for your feedback and concern. 

Posted 2/3/2010 1:42 PM (GMT 0)
I'm sorry to hear this. I know what it's like to have all your hopes on one medication to take care of you and it fails you. When I was first put on 6mp I was hoping that this would be that one miracle drug but my body has a hard time processing it, meaning that I don't have elevated enzymes (I did have one blood test come back just below toxicity) but I just can't get into the therpeudic (sp?) level and because that one test came back almost toxic, I can't increase my dose anymore. So I was still flaring while being on it, just a bit more milder.

Please let us know what your doc recommends ok?
Posted 2/3/2010 4:23 PM (GMT 0)
I'm sorry to hear about this.

Please go to the sticky thread titled "UC resources" at the top of the main page. In there is a link to a NeedyMeds site, where you can get information on how to go on the Remicade patient assistance program.
Posted 2/3/2010 9:38 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks Sherry and Fruitgirl!

I'll see what the doc has in mind on the 11th.  Fruitgirl, I appreciate the patient assistance links.  I get my Asacol through that program.  I'm currently trying to find a job with insurance benefits, but I've been waiting to see if I can get through this flare before I really hit the pavement. 

Posted 2/3/2010 11:28 PM (GMT 0)

Sorry to hear this Durango - Azathioprine (same as Imuran) also elevated my liver enzymes and gave me hepatitis.  Some can handle 6MP when Aza fails. 

Its such a pain when meds fail - I hope that something works out for you!

Best wishes and good luck,

Clicky

Posted 2/4/2010 12:00 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Clicky, we'll see what the doc says in a week or so....

Posted 2/4/2010 1:23 AM (GMT 0)

I'm so sorry to hear this, too.  The same thing happened to me in Nov and I remember you posting that you hoped it didn't happen to you.  It had been working for me.  It appears we're the in the few of whatever number who can't take it.  Personally, I'm tired of being "in the few", and I'm sure you are too.

Have you considered nicorette gum or the patch?  I've been chomping away on the gum, and thinking about the electronic cigs, too.  

Good luck with the doctor.  I'm sending vibes out to you.

 

Posted 2/4/2010 1:43 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Potato, I have been chewing the gum although I doubt it's helping much. I just want off the pred. Heck, I'd start smoking again if I didn't think It would kill me quicker.
Posted 2/5/2010 1:44 AM (GMT 0)
the manufacturer of Remicade have a program to reduce cost for people who can't afford it. I'd do some research there and also discuss it w your dr. as your dr. may know about it also.
Posted 2/5/2010 6:39 AM (GMT 0)
I was on Remicade for 2 years and although it worked quickly it wore off fast and the times inbetween when i would need an infusion would get shorter and shorter. Remicade was my last option before surgery and it failed so i ended up having surgery. Remicade was very expensive and if i knew it was going to be like this i would have skipped the remicade altogether and when right to the surgery. I would really really recommend surgery, its changed my life so much. I would have never believed i would feel this normal and happy again.
Posted 2/5/2010 6:59 AM (GMT 0)
UCinNC,
Thanks, If my GI suggests Remicade I'll look into it.

Comber,
Definately something to think about.....
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