From Pentasa to Azathioprine

[MrCrohnsEastMidsUK]

After my recent MRI my doctor confirmed inflammation of my ileum remains after 2 years diagnosed. Prednisolone has been used to treat my two flares which works straight away.

It feels quite a dramatic step onto what seems a very powerfull medication. I'm 27 and am unsure it offers a long term solution? Is there a half way house option I could suggest at my next appointment?

I have a number of other concerns. Has the drug got potential to damage my sperm (I'm looking to start a family next year) if so how do I o bout banking it?!
I have a safety critical job, do you think I will be able to continue in this role (short term and long term) on this drug. I understand it's more in the short term that lose monitoring takes place for any potential ill affects.

Blood tests don't bother me, I want to be well, but not at a cost to my future health!
I accept tht there is a risk to every drug, but for someone who has never been admitted to hospital, has had two flares in two years and responds well to prednisolone is it right? On the othe hand I can't live the life I did before I was diagnosed, I become exhausted very easily, I have to be so carefull how much I do before work and can no longer exercise like I used to (I used to run for the county!)

 

[2thFairy]

Azathioprine is generally the next step up from Pentasa/Lialda (mesalamine) for use as a maintenance drug since prednisone is considered a short-term drug to reduce an active flare.

I don't have good answers for your other questions, though. There is an Imuran (azathioprine) subforum. Have a look around there and you might find what you are looking for.

I was only on azathioprine for 7 weeks and had to stop due to pancreatitis, but it was starting to help my flare right before I stopped taking it. Many people have good results with azathioprine. The most common side effect in the first couple of months is nausea and fatigue....and both can be really bad for some people.

Good luck to you!

 

[MrCrohnsEastMidsUK]

Thankyou I made my way to the sub forum and it seems I have nothing to worry about in the baby producing department! It really would break me if I couldn't father my own child..

 

[2thFairy]

Good deal!

 

[bettyboop12]

Hi

Sounds similar to me from a female view! Im due to go on Azathioprine shortly (still waiting for IBD nurse to contact me). I went from pentasa.. or not taking it much to a big leap to having to go on Azathioprine.

Im on Ensure drinks at the moment and I wa told that I could take these alongside Steriods but didn't like the idea of steriods. So, they said to take the drinks and the next step is the Azathioprine.

I too want to have children in the next couple of years and was concerned as they said I need to take this drug for at least 2 years. From what I have been reading, it should not make much difference, may be nearer the time they might just reduce my dose.

Good luck!

 

[Jmrogers4]

My husband has been on aza for about 12 years now was on pentasa prior to that and asacol prior to that. He goes every 3 months for bloodwork, I can tell you we have one child that was conceived while on the aza. He is an extremely healthy 11 year old now.
He has been relatively healthy on the aza. A few flares here and there but no major surgeries or hospitalizations.
Hope it works well for you