Azathioprine and infliximab

[Lollipop]

Hi, I just wanted to know what people's thoughts are on azathioprine and infliximab. My consultant just start me on the azapress today and should be getting the first infusion of infliximab within a month or so. Has anyone found it good? When did you notice any difference? Anything not so good?

I had an appointment today and my mri scan results came back worse than expected so my consultant told me that the steroids won't be good enough. Although my crohns is bad, I'm relieved that I am not on steroids because of a fear of weight gain and anorexia. But does mean it will feel like i will be in and out hospital getting infusions (apparently I need another iron infusion too, no wonder I was so tired).

One question though, I know that steriods are not great for bones, and at the age of 24 I already have osteoporosis, does anyone know if this treatment affects the bones? And also does anyone have a good recommendation for calcium supplements because I have been on lemon calci chews 500mg with the vit D but you chew them and they make me feel sick?

I know I asked alot, but thanks in advance for any help you can give me.

 

[ronroush7]

I was on inflixamab and azathioprine at one time and didn't have any bad effects. As far as steroids go, I think prednisone gave me osteopenià. For a while, it gave me moon face. Inflixamab was good at first but then I developed an allergy to it. Everyone is different with medicines. Hope it gives you answers.

 

[Justanothercp]

I've been on infliximab for years with no problems. I was on azathiopine, but my white blood cell count dropped so low I had to switch to something else. My understanding is that you need regular blood work when on the azathioprine.
Good luck to you.

 

[JBMouse]

Hi, Good luck with the Azathioprine and Infliximab. I have been on them both for 4 years, and almost immediately I felt better, and my old fistulas became less of a problem, and have basically dissapeard. I am 67 yrs old, and have had Crohn's since I was just 9 yrs young, so believe me when I say I have had all the treatment there is going, but I didn't need surgery untill I was 29, when, after 5 years of totally ignoring any treatment (with the exception of beer, wine, women and song) my large intestine gave up, and I had to have it removed, but an anastamosis meant I have not had an ileostomy.
Back to the aza and infliximab, the major side effects are to do with a heavily suppressed immune system, meaning that I was at risk from catching something from somebody, and I did so at least 3 times, requiring hospitalisation and IV antibiotics until it all subsided. My choice has now been to end both Aza and infliximab, as I have reached a plateau in feeling better, but the constant infections, together with the high risk of skin cancer if exposed to too much sun, has pushed the risk vs benefit factor too far the wrong way, and I am going to see what the short term future brings whilst I am on no medication whatsoever. If you have no reactions to the treatment I would think and hope it works.