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Help with azathioprine

Posted , 3 users are following.

Red8620
Red8620

I have been taking azathioprine for 3 months for ulcerative colitis, for the last 3 weeks on and off but mostly on I've had a constant headache, stiff painfull neck felt like I've got a virus or flu at times and sleeping excessively is this down to the azathioprine and if so how long after I stop taking it  until I feel well again

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • jon1969
    jon1969 Red8620

    Posted

    Hi there thank you for bringing this issue up I have also been taking azathioprine for 3 months but for crohns. I have never been happy taking them as I read about the dreadful side affects. Although I know  all tablets have effects azathioprine is very much up there. I did have a time where I seemed to have a headache but it passed so not sure if it was the tablets or not ? Feeling tired yes I very much have that side effect although how much it is to do with my chrohns or in your  case colitis as tiredness is part of having the illness. My main issue is that my feet are so sore and I struggle to walk on them when waking up. My concern is what the long term effects of taking this tablet are I took steroids years ago and years on I was all set to have a shoulder replacement thanks to the steroid wearing my bones away do you have any issues other than headaches ? I was advised not to stop taking the tablets as I would be in trouble with my crohns so it may be advisable to see your Dr ? Jon 
    • Red8620
      Red8620 jon1969

      Posted

      Hi yes I've also had this terribly painful neck and felt like I have a bug my IBD nurse told me to stop taking it yesterday, so I have, early days I guess but I still feel terrible you are right our conditions do make us very tired but absolutely have found it worse to the point I could be unconcious for all I know I slept 16 hours straight and don't once hear one of my three large dogs barking in the next room to wake me I have decided now whether these symtoms are due to AZA or not I don't think I'd entertain a medication with such awful side effect possibilities again, I do hope it works for you but they can turn on you at any time whilst taking them so do watch out for unwanted feelings ect 
    • jon1969
      jon1969 Red8620

      Posted

      Yeah that's good sleeping but would imagine you feel awful ? I've just been to check chrohns and Collitus uk website as it's 100 percent fact but I haven't got round to doing that they used to be called nacc  I haven't had a painful neck justly feet I'm waiting to see a specialist to see if its a side effect of the tablet or somthing else ? 
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