Patient experiences on Azathioprine for Crohn's Disease

[Cackman888]

Hi Guys,

Just was wondering how everyones doin on Aza (imuran), ive been on it now for 3 months and have managed to get myself off the steroids albeit very slowly!! Hopefully I will get abit of long term relief as this last year has been a rollercoaster ride!!! (Not an enjoyable one)

If you could give me some of your experiences I would really appreciate it!!!

Regards,

C.E.

 

[merrywidow]

if you put aza in the search at the top of the page, there is loadsa about aza on here.
personally i was on it and it had no effect on me, but that was becasue the part of the digestive stsyem that absorbs aza has been removed from my body!!! so its no wonder the stuff didnt work!!

 

[reidyjo81]

Hey,
I have been on aza for over 5 years, I was given it as a maintenance drug after long term hospital treatment. To be honest I have still had flare ups on it does nothing then but for maintaining its fab as don't seem to have any side affects that I know of.

 

[dreamintwilight]

I've been on it a little over a month now and I think it is really helping in combination with my weekly Humira shots. I haven't had ANY stomach pains since my partial obstruction 2 months ago. Maybe some gurgling here and there after I've eaten something a bit different, but I'm hoping this is finally the right med combo!

I go to see my GI next Tuesday for a follow-up, so I'm looking forward to what he thinks. I'm also due to quit Entocort at the end of this month if things are still going well.

The only side effect I've noticed now is that I'm extremely prone to heat rash now. It's not from the direct sun, it's on the trunk of my chest that is covered by my shirt (obviously). I moved this weekend with my husband and it was blazing hot out and broke out pretty bad, but after a few days it went away. It comes and goes, but it always comes when I've been outside doing strenuous activities or get very hot. I've never been a big sweater (unless I'm having night sweats!), in general, even if I'm working out. So, I wonder if that's just how my body reacts to releasing the extra heat in my body now.

 

[violetcreams]

It's making a positive difference for me (although I'm still tapering the steroids). Couldn't have carried on without it.

 

[Astra]

It was toxic for me! after 3 months my body was covered in red, swollen itchy hives!
good luck, hope it works for you
xxx

 

[Liverpool FC]

I've been on it for about 4 weeks and am now off the steroids. I've found times where i'm not sweaty as such but just really hot like a hot flush and it lasts for what seems ages and is really uncomfortable, but hey if thats the worst I'll take it.

Also whilst tapering on the steroids, i felt the old symptoms returning but i can't really remember the last time i had any stomach pain on the scale i used to-so i assume its the imuran. Hasn't so far helped the sore ankles and EXTREME physical and mental tiredness and it may not so I've had some b12 jabs etc.

Hope you find relief on it too mate

 

[belle1999]

I think the Aza worked pretty well for me in combo with my Humira. However, my white cell count got too low so I was taken off the Aza. Doing well without it now, too.

 

[kenny]

been six months for me and I feel right as rain

Managed to avoid the roids all together as I pretty much went right to the surgery option.

 

[MapleLeafGirl]

I've been on since January. At first I had some fatigue and nausea, but now nothing really. I notice now with the heat, I am getting more nausea, but I don't know if that is the Imuran or not. It is not really keeping things in check for me and I am now starting prednisone again today and then likely going the surgery route like Kenny.

 

[Chrismac]

I've been on Aza for 9 years now.. it's done me fine. Works wonders, actually, and keeps me stable without the steroids. But you do need to be careful with the bloods, and get them done regularly.. also with any viruses you pick up.. just be extra observant

 

[Cackman888]

thanks guys