Gaining weight/ azathioprine?
- Thread starter Pawleyj
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Cross-stitch gal
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I'm afraid that I can't really tell you much as far as azathioprine and weight goes because, I wasn't on it for very long. But, I did travel while on it to my grandparents and had no trouble taking it with me on the plane. I think I had been on it close to a couple of months when I traveled...
rygon
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I dont think weight gain is a side effect of aza, but once you start to heal and feel better in yourself its more than likely you will eat more and absorb more through your intestines, making you gain weight.
You should have regular blood test when you start aza (I think it was weekly for the 1st month, fortnightly, next month, monthly for a few months after that then 3 monthly until you stop taking aza). So as long as you can fit your holiday in within those dates (and you feel well enough) there shouldnt be a problem.
I'd suggest researcing your holiday destination to see if you can take all the drugs you are on into the country. Keep them in your personal luggage as you wouldnt want them to go missing, and keep a repeat prescription just in case you do lose them and need to get some more. Also remember to take more than needed in case you get stranded for a few days
You should have regular blood test when you start aza (I think it was weekly for the 1st month, fortnightly, next month, monthly for a few months after that then 3 monthly until you stop taking aza). So as long as you can fit your holiday in within those dates (and you feel well enough) there shouldnt be a problem.
I'd suggest researcing your holiday destination to see if you can take all the drugs you are on into the country. Keep them in your personal luggage as you wouldnt want them to go missing, and keep a repeat prescription just in case you do lose them and need to get some more. Also remember to take more than needed in case you get stranded for a few days
xX_LittleMissValentine_Xx
Moderator
I have been on aza for four and a half years and haven't had a problem with weight gain. As Rygon said if you do put on weight with it, it is probably because you are getting better and absorbing things properly. Good luck.
I also did not gain or lose weight on azathioprine. You shouldn't have any problems traveling with azathioprine. The pills are very convenient. The important thing is to make sure you comply with your GI's directives for getting regular blood work. Your blood count and your liver function will need to be monitored while you are on this medication.
I have put on about 50 lb in the past just under 2 years, since starting azathioprine - and I was not skinny when I went onto the medication! I am on 75mg a day, which is half the proper dose (before I put on the weight) because of some tests which said that I would not be very tolerant of the drug. I also lost quite a bit of hair, and still have to de-clog the drain in the shower every week! BUT I started feeling so much better, having been unwell with regular relapses and a really nasty fistula for 3 years, that I am really grateful to be on the drug. I came onto this site to see what others said about weight gain being a side effect of azathioprine, because a friend has just suggested that she thinks I might have a thyroid problem and also told me that thyroid problems can often go hand in hand with crohns. Can anyone tell me whether this is right? Am due for my next blood test next month so was thinking of asking my doctor to test for that too?
