1. Community
  2. Gut, bowel and stomach
  3. Crohn's Disease

Crohns and azathioprine

Posted , 4 users are following.

Katebrenda
Katebrenda

my partner has Crohns and after being on steroids which made him low, tired and didn't help, he has now been on Azathioprine for a few months, the higher dose. He has suffered from wind, discomfort, lethargy etc. And generally feels no better. He has had more blood tests and may be able to go on,lower dose. Has anyone any positive experience of this drug or had similar side effects? It is making him very depressed.

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • LukeB1110
    LukeB1110 Katebrenda

    Posted

    I was always told that Azathioprine took about 6 months to fully get into your system and start making a differences. Both me and my mum suffer from crohns and neither of us really got in with Azathioprine, my mum had the same side effects as your partner and for me I became intolerant to the drug. I found that the normal drugs they try you on didn't really help me and I had to push for biological drugs, once in them I see a massive improvement but there hard to get on because of the cost. Try asking for a change of meds on the next appointment if you feel the Azathioprine isn't helping. I feel his pain but there is light at the end of the tunnel there just lots of twists and turns to navigate first. Luke
    • Katebrenda
      Katebrenda LukeB1110

      Posted

      Thanks for that Luke. He is seeing,his specialist next month so maybe he'll have some luck then. He feels no one is interests because of his age he's 71. I havent much experience of the disease and feel helpless.
    • LukeB1110
      LukeB1110 Katebrenda

      Posted

      I've always found the Dr's simply just don't have enough time to be that interested unless your extreamly unwell. Next time you go ask if they have a patient support group and to have the nurse specialists number as well (at least we have both at my hospital) the groups really help as its other people talking about how they manage and what does and doesn't work for them but crohns is a very personal thing and what works for one doesn't work for the next. The nurses are normally pretty good with advice and can tell you how to manage day to day issues. Depending on where he's crohns is it can make you feel tired, bloated, very gassy and not up to eating much. Sometimes a diet change can help a lot too but that's a lot of trial and error to remove things that don't agree with you.
  • sheila70301
    sheila70301 Katebrenda

    Posted

    I am now 74 I was diagnosed at 69 but it has taken five years to get the Crohns under control.  I was lucky as the specialist was very interested in getting me better and the Ibd nurse was a treasure.  I have had endless drugs and hate the steroids.  There was never any worry about the cost.  My GP was cross when I found out how much Infliximab was.  It worked wonders but after six sessions I became allergic to it.  Tell your partner to keep a check of his symptoms and both of you visit the specialist. I found it helpful.  Take each day as it comes.
  • maureen15717
    maureen15717 Katebrenda

    Posted

    Hi.  I have ulcerative colitus and was on Steriods and Pentasa to get things under control. I was then taken off Steriods and put on Azathioprine and Pentasa.  I will never be able to leave Pentasa off but having been on Aza for four years I have now left them off since January and touching wood I have been fine.  The first 6 months of taken Aza were not good for me but after that time things definately got better.  So far they have worked for me but everyone is different.  My brother has the same illness but he is on different tablets.  It just depends.  Good luck and I hope your Partner feels better soon.
Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.