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has anyone used azathioprine for lichen planus? If so what were the results.

Posted , 5 users are following.

harriet12877
harriet12877

I have been diagnosed with Lichen planus for 10 years. Practiced mostly self care( warm bath without soap for 15 minutes, aleve, benedryl,melatonin tablets, clebetasol only when desperate. Recently a major flareup after a very stressful 90 days brought me to see a dermatologist once again. Azathioprine was precribed. I turned down cellcept 3 years ago. feeling desperate for help.

2 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • karen41728
    karen41728 harriet12877

    Posted

    Hi Harriet

    I to have lichen planus for over 12 years I have oral and skin it's a nightmare but when I speak with my doctor about it he doesn't seem to bother it was my dentist that diagnosed it, I keep thinking I will ask to be referred to a dermatologist sometimes this burning is unbearable, I havnt heard of any of that medication so sorry can't help you with that, I am 57 and noticed it's the last few years it's really bothering me when I was younger I had abnormal cells after a smear test and had colposcopy and around the same time was diagnosed with LP, hiw old are you Harriet did you have problems when you were younger

    • harriet12877
      harriet12877 karen41728

      Posted

      Hello Karen,

      Thanks for the reply. Its been silent suffering for such a private issue, I am a YOUNG 65 with a busy lifestyle and lots of energy when I'm feeling well. I can't really identify when it started because i had suspicious symtons of something for years. I was diagnosis with vaginitis and given flagyle and told by a GYN dr. since i was faithful to my husband he must be cheating because of reocurring episodes of outbreaks over 20 years ago. Another dr. said herpes (not so). Another said i had probably picked up a virus from a toilet seat. Another said i had a fungus like atheletic feet. lol! The oral lichen planus started only about 3 years ago. Its been a battle but i stay optimistic about life and realize as bad as it is, it could always be worst. Stay strong

    • karen41728
      karen41728 harriet12877

      Posted

      Hi Harriet

      There's a lot to be said for cheating husbands, I'm in the middle of a divorce my husband has been living a double life for years it's been a nightmare caused me so much pain.

      Going back to this bloody LP who diagnosed yours and have you had problems with smear test in the past, Iv had a bad weekend this weekend my mouth has been splitting at the sides so sore and my lips burning my doctor gave me some cream but it's not doing any good. Do you have all these symptoms xx take care

    • harriet12877
      harriet12877 karen41728

      Posted

      Hello Karen

      I was diagnosised by a good gyn who stopped practicing medicine. He actual brought in a colleague from another state after a few years of chronic symtoms. A biopsy confirmed. I saw dermotologist from 2 different teaching hospitals with no positive results. I have been using dexamethesone as a mouth wash 4 times a day when needed prescribed by a ear nose and throat specialist. That seems to help bring my mouth relief. Soft foods only and no crunch until you heal.

      Now, I need to share my observation from my experience. The stress of your marital situation is a trigger for LP. I can say everytime over the top stressful situations occur in my life i have a flareup. Because i'm aware i try to manage the stress anyway I can before it affects me so greatly. Sometimes i can and sometimes i lose. Awareness is a great factor of managing this dreadful disease. Find what works for you. I'm on your team to cheer you on through it all

    • Shehe
      Shehe harriet12877

      Posted

      Exactly, stress is the enemy of your body in case of LP. Take care of yourself please!
    • karen41728
      karen41728 harriet12877

      Posted

      Thankyou Harriet

      It's good to talk to you, have you ever had abnormal cells after a smear test just because I'm sure the hpv virus is to blame for this, I am trying to avoid stress like you said and my daughters are always trying to make me happy but I just find it so hard I am on antidepressants which help and I'm back in court next week, can't bare to see his face X hope your doing well

  • Sasr24
    Sasr24 harriet12877

    Posted

    Hi Harriett, I haven't heard of azathioprine.  I looked it up and it seems to be on the same line as Cellcept.  I have been on that for about a year and a half.  I haven't had any side effects, and it is keeping my LP/OLP in check.  Would I like to be off it?  Yes.  My mother had breast cancer and I know that it is a risk for me to be on Cellcept, but it is working so good.  I am still hoping this LP/OLP will go into remission. 

    I woke up two years ago this Nov with my gums inflamed.  Dr. thought it was gingivitis and after two treatments I went to dentist, who didn't have a clue.  After a couple of more doctors, my dermatologist did a biopsy, and it was OLP.  At the time I had just started noticing a couple of purple spots on my legs so I guess I have LP, too.  I think it truly started in 2010, when I had severe mouth and vaginal ulcers three times in two months, but no tested me, even though they had no idea what it was.  (Told me I got herpes after 45 years of marriage to the same man!  Idiots!)

    I'm a vegetarian, and I'm in very good health.  I exercise regularly.  I would love to hear how the medication works for you if you decide to take it. 

    I am so sorry you are battling this, along with everyone else I've read about.  Take care of yourself.

     

    • harriet12877
      harriet12877 Sasr24

      Posted

      Thank you for your positive response. All of our stories are similiar and our journeys toward remission sound familiar. We know it can happen anytime so we all have to stay positive and do as much self care as possible for relief. I will try the azathioprine starting next week. I just did  baseline bloodwork for as much safety as possible for contraindications. I'm encouraged by your results. Glad you shared. grateful
    • karen41728
      karen41728 Sasr24

      Posted

      Hi Sasr

      Good to talk to you ladies just wondered whether you've ever had an abnormal smear after a cervical smear only I think there us a link to this and LP

    • Sasr24
      Sasr24 karen41728

      Posted

      Hi Karen,

      I have not had an anormal smear.  Along with others, this illness has me baffled. 

  • rajkiwi
    rajkiwi harriet12877

    Posted

    Hi Harriet,

    I was diagnosed with mucosal OLP 4 years back. Have been on a few regimes when the condition is unbearable.

    This time the doctor has prescribed Azathioprine to avoid steroids. its been only 5 days and according to the doctor it will be 3-4 weeks for this medication to take effect. Steroids like Medrol have an instant healing effect on my lesions though. I think my lesions are slowly healing.

    I seem to reltively new to the pain and anguish of OLP. Your comments are a life saver.

    Cheers,

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