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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 4/14/2008 10:08 AM (GMT -7)
Hi, new to this never posted before. My doctor has just started me on Azathioprine and after reading all side effects have scared myself a bit. Already got osteopenia from steroids so worried could be dong myself more damage with new drug. Need to take to try and limit my use of steroids have any of you had any great success with it - has it prolonged your good periods in between flares?

Thanks

Posted 4/14/2008 11:08 AM (GMT -7)
Hi and Welcome! I have been on aza for 2 years this month. I went on it b/c i was dependent on pred. and really wanted to get off. It took a few months and several tests to get my dosage correct. I think it took about 5-6 months to fully kick in for me. I had some nausea when I first started taking it. I was taking it in the mornings but switched to evenings and that really helped. I do have a lot of exhaustion. I can't say if that is the med or UC in general. I tend to get sick more often since I started aza (BUT I have a preschooler who is a germ machine). I have bloodwork done every 3 months just to make sure everything is okay. Otherwise no other side effects for me.
Posted 4/14/2008 12:12 PM (GMT -7)
I was TERRIFIED of it. has been really wonderful for me. haven't been on pred since it kicked in. haven't lost hair or any of the other awful side effects. haven't gotten any flu bugs, still loads of energy. life is totally normal, I just take Aza. what I realized is that I was dragging through my days before because of my disease, and once the UC was under control everything else came back into place. no one knows I am sick. totaly normal. try not to let the warnings get the best of you. being well is worth it, and if Aza can get you there, then take a deep breath, and try it. Having said that, be sure you build up your dose slowly. I did 50 mgs every 3 weeks, I think, until I reached 150. every time I started it, I had horrible headaches for about 2 - 3 days, but it passes. now I feel nothing negative from it. good luck.
Posted 4/14/2008 1:01 PM (GMT -7)
Thanks so much for replying, my Dr has started me on 50mg per day and have to get blood tests every week for 4 weeks to see how I tolerate it then think he is going to increase my dose, fingers crossed all will be well. At the moment everything seems to be a chore and I seem to be fighting all the time just to do normal things like keeping the house clean and looking after my adorable 2 little boys. I just want to feel normal again and do normal things without dreading everything that takes me away from the security of my house. Sorry to sound so dramatic but you know how it is!

Posted 4/14/2008 1:03 PM (GMT -7)
tums - I feel VERY strongly you can get back to what you are describing, either w/ meds or surgery. But, Aza can take a long time to become effective. for me it was 6 months, which feels like forever. so try to be patient because it won't work overnight. remain hopeful, and don't panic if you feel sick when you start it. That should pass (if its doesn't, then you do need to call your doc).
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