Has anyone else been prescribed Azathioprine?

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hi there, I was diagnosed with pmr last August after several exrays and blood tests since last June. I like everyone else just woke one morning and couldn't turn over in bed, brush my hair, put pants on etc due to excruciating pain in shoulders and groin. I left it a couple of weeks before I went to the doctors as we had just come back from Turkey and done alot of walking and thought it was that. The doctor started me off on 15mg of Prednisolone as I am insulin dependent diabetic and have cardiomyopathy. The steroids made my sugar levels go up and my heart specialist wasn't happy that I was on steroids. My doctor put my dosage down to 10mg in December but the pain came back . She then referred me to a Rheumotologist in February and he put me back on 10mg one day and 12 the next. I am still quite stiff first thing in the morning but nowhere near as bad as last year. The Rheumotologist suggested that I go on to Azathioprine instead of Prednisolone and I have today been for a blood test. He says it will take about 8-10 weeks to work but not effect my sugar levels. After reading the side effects, I am quite concerned with regards to this drug. I know all medicines have side effects but wondered if anyone else has been on Azathhioprine. I look at this site on a daily basis and find it very good. By the way I am 61 years of age.

Thanks Celia

2

Super cc

Not heard of that one, but have heard of Methotextrate

Visit www.pmr-gca-northeast.org.uk

go the the BSR Guidelines on PMR issued 2009 and have a good read.

It might help

3

Yes, have come across it, it is sometimes offered as an alternative to Methotrexate which I've been taking now for 4 months. I've got Type 2 diabetes and the MTX has had absolutely no effect on my sugar levels - unlike the Prednisolone which causes me to swing wildly every time the dose is raised.

Unsure what the differences might be between Methotrexate and Azathioprine, but they may have offered you that one as you are insulin-dependent. My impression is that they don't differ a great deal.

Oh, just for information, for the first time on one of the 'heavier' drugs I have had little or no side effects with taking the MTX - again, unlike the steroids!

Nefret

4

Thanks for both of your comments. It does seem as if they are one of the same. If it does stabilize my sugar levels without having to have more insulin, then it is probably worth a try. Will let you know how I get on. Celia