Does anyone know the side effects of Azathioprine?

Question

I have suffered from Ulcerative Colitis for 11 years. Its effecting my everyday life and I asked the doctor if there was anything else I could try. He will be starting me on Azathioprine after a course of Prednisolone. I've always taken Mesalazine (Asacol). Why has the doctor never suggested Azathioprine before? Should I take it. Has anyone taken it?

Answer 1

The main side affects are the same as any immuno supressant, I'm on one as well but not azathioprine it's called mycophenolate mofetil. There basically the same side affects, nausea, headaches, hair loss. But the most common involve your blood and gastro system - You'll more than likely have blood tests monthly to make sure your blood work is all ok. I was on azathioprine but developed a reaction to it, I was on it for about 4 days and on the 4th day woke up and continuously vomitted, that stopped that afternoon but the next day I had severe diarrhae (nice right lol) anyway that's just me and that's why I had to go on another one which is also more expensive. The worst that will happen is you may get a reaction to it, in that case just go to the doctor/hospital and tell them what medication your on, chances are though you won't get a reaction, it just depends on the person. If you need any info feel free to email me on here.

Answer 2

SIDE EFFECTS

One of the main issues with azathioprine is a problem with the bone marrow suppression. Cells of the bone marrow are rapidly dividing and thus at risk for suppression from azathioprine. For this reason, at least in early stages of use, Complete Blood Counts (“CBC’s”) are monitored frequently (typically every 2 weeks for the first couple of months).

Signs of a bone marrow problem that might be observable at home include abnormal bruising or inappropriate bleeding (bloody nose, bloody stool, blood in urine, excess bleeding from a minor wound etc.) If bone marrow suppression has not occurred in the first couple of months of therapy, it is unlikely that it will occur later on.

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