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Anyone else on Azathioprine?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 1/25/2011 7:47 PM (GMT 0)

Does anyone else take Azathioprine for their UC?

I'm concerned about the possible long term effects.  I've been on it for about a year now and I have to have my blood checked every 3 months.  I can't tell you how much I HATE having blood drawn.

Posted 1/25/2011 8:21 PM (GMT 0)

Denise:

I have been on azathiprine also for the past two years.  It has done wonders for my ulcerative colitis.  It has put me into a solid remission which in now over a year long.  I have a bm every 1-2 days.  As far as the blood work is concerned I know it's pain in the bum but I kind of like knowing things are humming along.  I have gotten used to having blood drawn.  In fact I just had blood drawn for life insurance.  No side effects thus far.  I have really asked my GI about negative side effects for the thousands of other patients that take 6MP or Imuran and they just don't see any, short or long term.  Keep in touch.  I am with you, I take aza too.

MyUC

Posted 1/25/2011 8:25 PM (GMT 0)
I am on 6mp which is similar to Azathioprine. I've been on it for almost a year... I do worry about the longterm effects but I have heard that these medications have been around for quite some time and the doses we take are low and unlikley to cuase any issues. It still worries me and of course I'd prefer to be med free but it's not an option right now.
Posted 1/25/2011 9:28 PM (GMT 0)
Denise -

Yes, I started Imuran in October.  My doctor has treated many patients with it and he has done extensive research.  While I worry some about the long term effects of all meds I feel that (for me) leaving my UC untreated is worse than taking this medication.  I was never able to get into full remission without Imuran and I tried EVERYTHING else for 4 years.  Imuran has finally gotten me very close to complete remission.  I agree that the blood work is not fun but it is reassuring to know everything is okay.  The only thing I have noticed is that I have caught every cold that has gone around in the last three months.  I cannot say if that is because of the Imuran or because I have a child in pre-K who brings every germ home with her...I am currently fighting my third head/chest cold since Thanksgiving but my UC is calm.

Posted 1/25/2011 10:45 PM (GMT 0)
I'm on 6mp also and have been on it for about 5 years. I get concerned about the long term side effects but the blood tests reassure me on some level. I have a tendency of thinking worse case scenarios when things go wrong with me and I try to blame the 6mp but then I find out what is really wrong which actually has no correlation to 6mp. Truthfully, I would LOVE to come off 6mp because it makes me tired and slows healing time.
Posted 1/26/2011 4:02 AM (GMT 0)
I have been taking it for 11 years now and i am never completle in remission. I take mesalazine granules 3 grams a day, steroids and aza. the only thing i have noticed is after a few years on the drug it has started to cause raised bumps and skin tags over my body. I have asked other people on this forum and they are getting the same thing. So Im guessing it is a side effect from the drug.
Posted 1/26/2011 2:18 PM (GMT 0)

I guess I have to admit the azathiprine has done wonders for me.  I had a couple of long, nasty flares and it put a stop to that.  And I also wouldagree that untreated UC would be worse long-term than any of this med’s side effects.  But I pass out every time they take blood!  I hate, hate, hate it!  (Insert temper tantrum here).  Also, I’ve always had a really good immune system and now I catch every last cold or virus. 

I guess I just wanted to whine and complain a little.  I’m going to try to go down to 3 Lialda pills (after I get over my latest cold) per my doctor’s instructions.  I had been thinking about trying to wean myself off aza but I guess that might not be such a good idea. 

Thanks for helping me remember why I started aza in the first place.  And thank you all for commiserating with me.

Posted 1/26/2011 2:35 PM (GMT 0)
Just to put this in perspective here everyone:

 

1. I am grateful everyday that 6-MP is working for my daughter and she is having a normal life.

 

2. Try taking a 10 yr old in for blood work every 4 weeks for months on end and feeling grateful that we are trying to go as long as 3 months this time.

 

3. My daughter has been amazing every time we do go get her blood drawn- she is a trooper and bitterly complains but puts her arm on the table as I bury her head in my chest and kiss her for comfort!

 

4. Yes- I do have a small bit of worry about taking this med for a long time- we have almost been on it a year but we had no choice! She was steroid dependent and I am so grateful everyday that we are off Prednisone and that she is in remission while just taking 6-MP and VSL#3.

 

As I try to teach my daughter everyday- GRATITUDE- be grateful that you are doing well and that these meds are helping and you get to lead a normal life!!!

 

I am saying all this for myself as I well as I do worry as a parent having a child with UC and taking these meds but like the rest of you my Dr says it is safe as can be turn

Posted 1/26/2011 2:54 PM (GMT 0)
IBSISTHEPITS - Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. I cannot imagine how hard this would be on a child (and on her mother). I am glad that the medication is working for your daughter and am grateful it works for me as well. It breaks my heart as a parent to think of what you have to go through as a mom of a child with this disease but I am glad you are able to find gratitude and teach your daughter such a valuable lessen.
Posted 1/26/2011 3:20 PM (GMT 0)
IBSISTHEPITS - you are so right.  I'm confident your child behaves better for her blood draws than I have so I will try to take a little inspiration from your 10 year old.  

Thank you for your uplifting thoughts.

Posted 1/26/2011 6:04 PM (GMT 0)
I have been on it for about five years now, no problems yet. My bloodwork has always been fine. Ask the people drawing your blood if they can use a "butterfly needle". They're really small and I don't mind it at all.
Posted 1/26/2011 7:13 PM (GMT 0)
ElephantPipe - THAT is some helpful information! I will ask next time I go. I'll let you know how I do.

Thank you!
Posted 1/27/2011 4:42 AM (GMT 0)
I am on Imuran and it, so far, has not kept me from having flares. I have been on it for two years. The biggest side effect is the way it suppresses your immune system. When I get sick, like a cold or flu, it seems like it takes forever to get better. I blame the Imuran for this. I don't think it works for me but it seems to work for many others.
Posted 1/27/2011 5:25 PM (GMT 0)
De--you're welcome! smilewinkgrin Hopefully they can use one. One time the lady insisted on using a normal one, said it wouldn't feel any different. But it did, and I was mad lol. Good luck, hope that helps. =)
Posted 1/27/2011 9:29 PM (GMT 0)
I thought all labs used Butterfly needles but if they don't you should definitley ask

it doesn't hurt nearly as much! yeah

Posted 1/27/2011 10:37 PM (GMT 0)
I don't think they all do, my aunts uses the big ones. Bleh.
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