Azathioprine when introduced into Remicade infusion plan.
Hi All,
Just looking for some feedback if anyone has some. I have been on Remicade for about 1 year. I have for sure had some very positive results related to my symptoms. Getting the right balance timing dosage and timing on the medication is still a work in progress. About 4 months ago, I started to develop anti bodies counter acting the effectiveness of the Remicade. My Dr has put me on Azathioprine to tamp down the antibodies. I know its reported side effects can be nausea, slight light headed/dizziness, and some pretty good muscle/joint pain. I only really started noticing this as my dosage has been increased. Has anyone experienced strong bouts of these side effects? They kind of sneak up on me and wasn't sure if others experience this. Every day with this is an adventure for sure. Thanks to anyone who can share experiences.
Hello,
, I hope some of our community members with experience on Azathioprine can share with you here. I do know that we have had people here who have been on it, so I'm crossing my fingers that they see your post here and let you know how the side effects were (or have been) for them.
I did want to share this article with you. The author wrote about her experience on Remicade and Azathioprine and making sure to get yearly skin checks, https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/living/annual-skin-check.
In addition to reaching out here, have you been able to talk with your doctor about the increase in side effects as your dosage increases? I'm wondering if it's possible there is something else you can try, if the side effects are too much to manage. Obviously, only your doctor can tell you for certain, but it might not hurt to reach out to them, if you haven't already.
Please, if you're comfortable, keep us posted. Sending you gentle hugs. -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)I was started on Imuran a week or two before my REMicade infusions. It makes me feel sick so I take it later in the day with food. It’s gotten better for me and I’m tolerating it so far.
Hi
. I know both of these medications are immunosuppressants (as are many of the treatments). Have the doctors gave you any special instructions in relation to infections or other potential side effects? I know our patient leader Sahara talked about her experience here: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cholesterol-and-inflammation. Hoping the treatment continues to improve for you. Best, Richard (Team Member)
Hi. Not really. I feel sick a lot and have had migraines. A couple of other things but no one has contacted me to see how I am. My third infusion is in jun and then I suppose I will have to have blood tests to see what’s happening. I didn’t have any obvious symptoms so I’ve no idea what is normal and wha isn’t ..
Hi Emma, What is your dosage on the Azathioprine? I had side effects at 100mg and then as they turned me up, I struggled with Nausea and muscle/joint pain Have you asked for nausea meds? I am taking Ondanestron every 6 hours and it helps with the nausea. I think we have some similar issues, if I can help at all, keep asking questions.
Hi
. Thanks for sharing the information. It is always great to see the way community members look out for and try to help each other. , one thing that can be helpful in this period medication loading is to keep a diary of how things are going and any potential side effects and symptoms you may be experiencing. Here is an example of our contributor Jenna keeping one (note: it includes her using azathioprine): https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/living/humira-diary-month-3. Please feel free to keep us posted on how things are going and to ask additional questions. Best, Richard (Team Member)
