Azathioprine and Cold Sores

[Porkpie84]

Hello Everyone,

Just got a quick question regarding started azathioprine. I am generally prone to coldsores (now the least of my problems hehe) and it has just dawned on me that taking an immunosuppresent make increase the amount I get on a regular basis. I normally get about six a year and they arent the type that need their own scaffolding for support. hehe Now Im worried this may change :S

Has anyone (who maybe suffered with coldsores prior to commencing azathioprine) noticed an increase in the amount they get??

Im also thinking of religiously taking L-Lysine as this is supposed to help reduce cold sore outbreaks. Has anyone took this? Or does anyone know whether this supplement is unsuitable to take with certain Crohn's meds. I willl also consult my GI on this tomorrow

Any advice would be much appreciated!

Thanks,

Becky

 

[littlemissh]

This is something I worried about. I have been on aza for about 10months and not noted an increase. In fact when I got them they didn't seem to last as long which is a bit weird.

 

[Porkpie84]

Thats fab! Was you a coldsore sufferer prior to starting azathioprine also?? I might be starting on them tomorrow so hopefully it'll work its magic too since I woke up with two of the little blighters this morning grrrr! I got a tad stressed this weekend after getting my colonscopy results. Despite having a resection in May the Crohn's has already started up again at my terminal ileum. I also have an ulcer and he said it 'appears strictured'. Bad news! Hopefully aza will do the trick.

Have you noticed any other side effects from the drug? It makes me hopeful that it works for some people and can be tolerated. Im very nervous!

Becky x

 

[Crohn's 35]

Um no... I get cold sores, canker sores all the time, that includes a sty on my eyelid sometimes. Cold sores are a virus form of Herpes...dont worry not the same. When I get a cold sore I use Abreva or keep chapstick (original only one with Camphor oil in it, also helps cracks on the corners of your mouth. For cankers I use Steri-sol and gargle. Not created in drugs at least for me anyways.

 

[littlemissh]

Hi Becky,
Yes I was a cold sore sufferer pre aza- mine are when my lips get too dry or I am really stressed , I also get them up my left nostril ...nice...why only the left who knows. Perhaps the virus has a little pal up there and they meet up on occasions....

I have had a good effect with aza. Took 3-4 weeks i think to start working.
The only problem I have had is my white cell count has been very low on it which has caused some issues. But that is easily monitored by blood tests and the dose adjusted.
My GI started me off on a really low dose of 25mg and increased it in 25mg increments so I had none of the nausea effects that some do. I had a slight increase in headaches for a very short period.

I don't bother with any of the creams or tablets available as they don't work. just good old plain and cheap vaseline in a tub...the sticks hurt too much to apply i think. Then I am a wooss.

 

[ErikaHouston]

I didn't have any increase, in fact none in my 10 months. I always carry valtrex and take it if i ever feel the tingle. I have not had a full blown coldsore in yrs because of the Valtrex. Do you have valtrex? 6 a year is way too many!

 

[Porkpie84]

Thank you so much for your informative replies I've started the azathioprine now and Im hoping for the best. 3 days in so far so good. I use zovirax and vaseline on my coldsores. I notice I always get them during really cold weather or when Im very stressed. Think I should always wear lip protection to avoid such occurences.

Thanks again! x

 

[Porkpie84]

I don't bother with any of the creams or tablets available as they don't work. just good old plain and cheap vaseline in a tub...the sticks hurt too much to apply i think. Then I am a wooss.

Your not! Coldsores can be painful! Eeek! They even interfere with brushing your teeth or enjoying a good ole brew hehe x

 

[chrisnsteph1022]

Um no... I get cold sores, canker sores all the time, that includes a sty on my eyelid sometimes. Cold sores are a virus form of Herpes...dont worry not the same. When I get a cold sore I use Abreva or keep chapstick (original only one with Camphor oil in it, also helps cracks on the corners of your mouth. For cankers I use Steri-sol and gargle. Not created in drugs at least for me anyways.

OT, but are sties on the eye related to the same virus? I used to get those all the time growing up, but haven't had one in years. I thought it was just a clogged tear duct or ingrown eyelash or something.

 

[Crohn's 35]

Whio knows Steph, all I know is I got them alot. My mom's old wives tails were I wasnt getting enough sleep :lol: cold sores where from kissing boys and cankers were from telling lies. I have NO idea if she actually thought that or trying to get me to confess.. Problem is I was one of her children who rarely lied lol... Probably why being mouthy got me in trouble.:ylol2: