Now Imuran ?????

[debhaz22]

Hi all,
Since April I've been on MTX (taken off due to side effects), then on CellCept. My Dr. took me off of the CellCept yesterday due to continuing "stomach issues". Tomorrow I start Imuran. Is this "normal", to not tolerate these drugs and switch from 1 to another?? Also, now I'm very anxious about starting yet another new drug, can anyone offer advice, suggestions, their experiences...for Imuran. I appreciate any help!
Thanks,
Deb H.

[sbeach78]

Just thru reading it seems pretty normal for people to be switched around on these drugs till they find one that's easiest tolerated. I too will be starting Imuran soon, hope it works out good. My Renal Guy says its good, but I bet he's never taken it...lol

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2

[jvilner]

Mtx made me nauseous and had loss of hair. I feel well on imuran. btw-I heard that they are working on a new mtx (trying to make it with less side effects) good luck!!

[drz]

Hi all,
Since April I've been on MTX (taken off due to side effects), then on CellCept. My Dr. took me off of the CellCept yesterday due to continuing "stomach issues". Tomorrow I start Imuran. Is this "normal", to not tolerate these drugs and switch from 1 to another?? Also, now I'm very anxious about starting yet another new drug, can anyone offer advice, suggestions, their experiences...for Imuran. I appreciate any help!
Thanks,
Deb H.

Did they test you for the enzyme to be sure you can metabolize azathioprine OK? Some people can't so they won't tolerate Imuran.

[lag713]

Methotrexate gave me stomach problems for a few weeks and I had some hair loss. I initially used folic acid to to treat the side effects but switched to leucovorin which solved the hair loss. Not sure if the stomach problems were a matter of slowly taking more over a period of weeks or my body adjusting to it. It helped me to take it after dinner and I would sleep through the worst of the stomach symptoms. I know methotrexate is the best thing for me right now but I'm curious about other options. It's always good to know what's out there.

I hope the imuran treats you well. Keep us updated!

[debhaz22]

Thanks everyone for the replies.
Yes, he ran the blood test last month for the gene to see if I can be on Imuran. I guess I can!

[Psyborg]

I've been on Imuran for a couple years now. I also didn't tolerate MTX due to liver issues. Imuran is pretty easy on my system, my only concern has been that I think I am less suppressed on this than I was on MTX, but I seriously don't think that is a remotely scientific observation.

[renidrag]

I took cytoxan and when Doc tried to change to Imuran, I couldn't tolerate it so it was back to Cyclo.
Dale

[debhaz22]

Hi Dale,
what happened when you "couldn't tolerate it"?
Thanks!

[hmcollin]

I started on prednisone and methotrexate and saw some progress but moved to Imuran 175mg daily. I have had no side effects and feel much better than the couple of days after taking the weekly methotrexate. I still haven't reached remission after 10 months so I am going to start Rituxan this month. Some people have intestinal issues on Imuran and you should know pretty quickly whether you will tolerate the meds. or not.