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Azathioprine

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 5/3/2021 4:24 AM (GMT -6)
Hi fokes,

Just a bit of pre research, hopefully my son won’t require azathioprine however, does anyone have any positive/negative experience with it ?
Posted 5/3/2021 5:52 AM (GMT -6)
Before going onto Azathioprine your son's TPMT enzyme levels would be checked to see how well he'd be able to process the Aza.

I think this is pretty key to whether someone does well on Azathioprine or not.

I have low TPMT levels so didn't process the Azathioprine well. I was switched to 6-MP but I had unpleasant side effects with that as well, so I wasn't on these drugs for too long before I switched to biologics.
Posted 5/3/2021 8:29 AM (GMT -6)
N, there has been some folks on here that has/had success with Aza, however, you have to keep in mind the location of the disease. Aza is a slow starter, it can take up to 3 months to become fully effective. My experience with it was while on Remicade & Humira. What orals has your son been tried on? I know the dr has been treating the lower end if I remember right.

Nothing wrong with having a backup plan.
Posted 5/3/2021 8:37 AM (GMT -6)
Your son will absolutely need to have a TPMT to check and see if his body will process it at all. For some reason many doctor's skip this step and the medication will do nothing if your body cannot process it. It is slow working, 3 months is when you start to get a therapeutic level can take up to 6 months to fully work. I started it in January of 2019 and it has been working well for me. I did have some issues with nausea at first, but I found taking it with my last meal of the day helped with that. I haven't been scoped since I started taking it but my quality of life has improved.
Posted Yesterday 12:44 PM (GMT -6)
I took 6MP for about 6 years, no major side effects or concerns here. Safety profile is similar to biologics, low risk long odds of major side effects. Few experiencing major side effects. It's immunosuppressive. Generally you're talking colds last a few days longer and have worse symptoms.

about 20 percent experience an initial nausea when starting it, it lasts a month or less then goes away (taking right before bed with a snack helps mitigate it some). Some have an allergic reaction which is extreme nausea and discontinuation is necessary.

He'll sunburn easier on azathiopurine. Just apply sunscreen if he's going to be outside all day.

There's some concern about azathiopurine and adolescent males regarding lymphomas. You're talking long odds (0.04 percent) versus 0.02 percent for the general population. I think the risk has more to do with maintenance usage over many decades. Sometimes it's just for a few years and then discontinued.
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