Azathioprine

Hello everyone! It’s been a very long time since I’ve posted anything. Usually I just lurk the different posts.

My last colonoscopy, which was a month ago, showed that my UC has spread throughout my colon. Two years ago, it was only on the left side. My GI was surprised that I am not having more symptoms. I guess that’s a good thing because I clearly remember what it felt like to be on a downward spiral into a hospital bed. I do not have very much bleeding but the urgency has because really bad.

I now have a few questions. Due to the results of the colonoscopy, I started taking 75 mg of Azathioprine on Thursday 6/17. So far, so good. I have not had any side effect, besides feeling sorry for myself (hee-hee). I was wondering what side effects you guys have experienced with this medication and how soon did the side effects start happening? If there are side effects, will it take some time before they start or am I pretty much ok with this medication since I’ve had no symptoms? Tonight will only be my 4th dose. I probably should have asked my GI but my mind went blank and I knew that I would be able to come here and talk to people who actually take it.

I've already had blood testing done and my next text will be in two weeks and I will see my GI in 3 weeks for a follow up and to go over the tests. I hope this medication does work or he said I'll have to have medication intravenously.

Is alcohol out of the question? I rarely drink but thought I’d ask. I’ll have a few sip’s of wine or a few drinks of a beer once in a while celebrating a birthday or a toast on a special occasion, but nothing more than that as I don’t want it to bother my UC.

What about regular Tylenol for headaches? I’ve been suffering with headaches for the past 5-6 months and that is what I’ve been taking in moderation.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to respond to me!

I did have side effects about 10-14 days after starting aza. I started on 50mg, then increased by 25mg at a time until I got to my current dose of 100mg.

I experienced dizziness, headaches and horrible nausea and vomiting.

I know some people have no side effects. I just wanted to let you know that sometimes it can kick in a couple of weeks later. It was a few years ago now but I think the symptoms only lasted a week or two (for each increase) until my body adjusted although the last time wasn't as bad as the first two.

I drink alcohol with no problem on aza although I definitely drink a lot less since my UC diagnosis.

I tend to always take my aza with food in the evenings. I find if I even take an hour or two after food, I feel nauseous the next morning.

I've just re-read your post and noticed you mention that the urgency is very bad. Are you on any rectal meds? If not, I'd definitely recommend them as they should help with the urgency.

I've been on 100mg daily since end of January, no side effects--just tired all the time but that could be due to my anemia/UC. My doctor said I can drink, so I have been, no issues