Over Azathioprine

[f_else]

Hey everyone,

I've been on Azathioprine for about 6 months, so I like to think I've given it a reasonable try. Anyways, pretty much from 2 months after I started it my hair has been falling out and it has slowly been getting worse and worse (hair is super thin now). I ignored it for a while, hoping that it would sort itself out, pumped up my iron, folate, zinc and biotin intake but nothing has helped. Meanwhile, although the Aza seemed to have help keep the D down a fair bit, it's far from gone. My diet has not been able to increase at all, and it is super basic as it is (rice, bread, potato - basically plain processed food).
I had hoped the Aza would help me extend my diet and allow me to be more active and energetic, but it really hasn't. To top things off, it has caused me to get eczema again and I have just recently gone into a flare despite being on it, which I have had to control with pred.
So I have come to the conclusion that I want out. I am too young (21) and too single to be worried about being bold (or mostly bold) merely to stay on a drug that isn't really working. So my question is, should I ask my Doctor to go on something else? And if so what? Or should I try to play it more 'au naturale' for a little while (well mostly, I'm still on mezasalzine as well). I would like to give my hair a bit of time to grow back before going on something else that might also make it fall out.

Thanks for the help and advice everyone
Fabs

 

[rygon]

I waas on aza for about 2 years and although it helped a little it didnt make me better and i became a lot worse. Although im still on it, im taking Remicade (inlfiximab). Maybe that or Humira is a good way to go (not sure if theres any other drugs that you could try).

Deffo worth planning it with your doctor though so they know exactly whats going on and can still monitor you. It would be worth trying the diet way (SCD, LOFFLEX) but your doctor should be able to help you with this as well hopefully

 

[f_else]

Thanks rygon, I will definitely consider going the diet path and will be keeping my doctor informed of all my choices

 

[CyCrohn'sGuy]

Azathioprine did absolutely nothing for me so I was put on Remicade which was great for about 8 months then I became immune to it. On Humira now.

It's definitely worth talking to your health professional about your next course of action. In the meantime, there are some hair products on the market that promote hair growth......allegedly.

 

[crazycanuck]

I was on Aza alone for about 8-9 months and it worked really well for me until a friend of mine passed away and then I flared huge and then it was Aza and Remicade. I just stopped taking it recently under doctor's direction.

Anyway I'd think 6 months is a legitimate shot at trying a drug. I'd ask your doctor what would be next for you. Could be Remicade or Himura or there may be other choices before those that are available in not sure. For me I was offered Remicade or Humira as my next step but I think it depends on the doctor.

 

[lifesover]

Tried this drug twice (Aza) and twice it was hell, I had just about every side effect it can throw at you, been off it two weeks now and still feeling unwell.

When my hair stopped growing Dr gave me Vitamin B12, that made my hair grow back fast.

 

[Marx]

I'm on AZA now been taking it for about 2 months and I don't feel it's doing anything at all! Although no side effects thank God! I'm also 21 and hate being on meds!

 

[rygon]

You get used ot it Marx, I hated taking them at 1st, then i went trhough a phase of not being bothered by them, but forgetting to take them (8 pentasa at the end of the day isnt good lol) now im just used to it. Its defo worth it

 

[Marx]

I hope so rygon, I hope so.