By suef on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 - 03:46 am:| By suef on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 - 03:46 am: |
Hi, I have been on aza for really bad eczema for the last four years and it has been absolutely amazing. I have no side effects and almost no eczema. It has changed my life and it seems like a miracle cure.
| By jue22 on Wednesday, May 12, 2010 - 08:44 pm: |
Hi guys just found this website. I am a 51 yr old female who has had eczema for 46 yrs and am so depeessed at the moment. I have no social life and gradually loosing pals cos im always letting them down for nights out as ive had a flare up. When im not working im bandaged. What kinda life is that?? Anyway ive been given the opportunity to have light therapy. Is this any good?? Also if this doesnt work ive been told i shall be going on either aza or cyclosporin. Which one is best?? Im abit worried about the excess hair growth with cyclosporin.Also worried bout the hair loss thing with aza. How much hair gets lost?? Im so desperate at the moment
| By intimmero on Monday, April 05, 2010 - 06:21 pm: |
| By richars1 on Monday, March 08, 2010 - 08:34 am: |
Jo,
I'm 33 and have experience of taking Azathioprene. It is very unusual for the drug not to help with eczema. It is usually well tolerated, although it may take a few weeks to take effect. I think you will be fine. If you need anymore advice or someone to talk to just let me know.
Rich
| By Jo on Sunday, March 07, 2010 - 11:41 pm: |
Hi my son is 5 and is going on azathioprene this week. I am so scared and so desperate for this to work and be the welcomed break that he needs to have to be a normal healthy child. please tell me it will be ok.
| By samsam on Friday, January 15, 2010 - 10:13 am: |
hello my 10yr old son has suffered with severe discoid eczema for a 7yrs.we got to the point of no sleep unable to put clothing on no quality of life for him. sam was referred to great ormond street hospital as his condition got far worse and he developed a blood infection. he was treated with intravenous antibiotics topical and oral steroids.once infection under control we were allowed home on oral antibiotics and steroids as before.sam is now off steroids orally and is taking azathioprine the difference is unbelievable he is at school full time, learnt to swim now he can be a normal 10yr old, blood tests every few weeks is a small price to pay to have a happy son.
| By Kyle Grisdale on Sunday, September 13, 2009 - 12:41 pm: |
Hey, I'm Kyle I'm 16 and have had eczema since childhood but it's gotten so much more severe since hitting puberty, I would flare up so bad my whole body would get badly inflamed, I would be so dry I felt like I was seized up, So I was referred to a specialist and I'm currently on Ciclosporin/Cyclosporin 250mg a day and I've been on this for about 9 months, I hate living with eczema it's put a huge dampener on my life, I've always been a quiet guy, Never had confidence to do anything. Even these drugs don't really improve my life that much, I still flare up and I'm scared that when I have to come off them I'm gonna flare up really badly, I can't really afford anytime off since I'm starting college. Also has anyone on ciclosporin experienced like enlarged pours on your chest I look like I've got permanent goose bumps on my arms and chest, My specialist is changing me to Aza hope it works better than this one I'm currently on.
| By Jonny on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 - 02:17 pm: |
I came across a new treatment for Eczema the other day called Toctino. Has anybody tried this? It looks like it has only recently been released on to the market...
| By luck56 on Sunday, September 21, 2008 - 11:24 pm: |
well im 18 n have had alot of ezcema since i was an infant.I like interacting with girls alot.I used to alot about 4 years ago when i used to try to cover it all up.I like doing so many things, but it seems that now i have hit a heavy depressed stage because of my ezcema.Its hard enough dealing with the everyday probs we got.I used to pretend like it was nothing big and tried to ignore it, but ive gotten to the point where i am just so tired of fighting with this issue everyday of my life.I have so much to offer yet It affects eveything i do.but what gets to me the most is if anybody will ever accept me and love me like this.And even if i did find someone i hate living with this non-stop dry itchy feeling that even affects the appearance.i have'nt been an angel but i did grow up having faith and it seems that even this has taken a toll on hope.i am human and i have wants for overall happiness in this world just like everyone else.I just want all of us to be normal and live like eveyone else. Its funny cuz i really dont talk about my feelings like this. If someone could give me their honest opinion.
Stay Strong
| By Puddleduck on Thursday, July 31, 2008 - 11:05 am: |
Hi there,
I have a complex case of Endometriosis as well as chronic atopic Eczema and wondered whether any other women with Endometriosis have used Azathioprine for Eczema. How well did it work for your skin and also how was your Endometriosis while you were on it?
I'm 32 and have not had children (yet).
| By Phil on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 - 11:58 pm: |
Smithy, Azathioprine is like any of the strong medications it can be safe in most people but there are certain side effects that may affect you. The more dangerous side effects are looked for in your regular blood tests and they should be picked up when signs of stress on organs are showing rather than when damage has actually occurred. With azathioprine I'd be looking for lightheadedness and rapid heart rate as a sign of something going wrong.
| By smithy on Wednesday, March 26, 2008 - 06:01 pm: |
Hi everyone,
I have just found this website and am really glad that i have.
I am 33 and have suffered with chronic atopic eczema since i can remeber but now i have discoid eczema. I have been on steroids for the last nine months which have caused side effects and am about to start azathioprene at 200mg a day. I was wondering if they are safe to take and is anyone on this dose as it seems quite high. I would be really gratefull for any advice.
| By nic on Friday, February 01, 2008 - 08:14 pm: |
hi, someone mentioned crocodile oil, I have ordered mine today so will keep you posted, sounds great and I have looked into it alot before wasting yet more pennies on a miracle cure. I tried the free derm miracle cure and it done absolutly NOWT! fingers crossed this time, hang in there scratchers.
| By nca on Wednesday, November 28, 2007 - 12:10 pm: |
My 9 year old is currently taking azathioprine, we are hoping to see a difference very soon , is taking a long time to get the dose right as we are having to increase slowly as the blood count had been affected. She is also taking prednisolone, but hoping to reduce this as the azathioprine takes affect. She has recently had a heavy cold but got over it ok. Took me a while to be comfortable with her taking the drug but needed to look at quality of life as she is unable to do the things she likes doing. She has also accepted having the blood tests, especially as they have to be done more regularly when you increase.
| By lizardwoman on Tuesday, November 27, 2007 - 10:55 am: |
Can anyone actually say their eczema has really improved on azathioprine? I was considering going on it in order to reduce the amount of topical steroids i'm using but the side effects and cancer risk are putting me off, and now i read that lots of you still have to use topical steroids or proptopic/elidel to keep your skin under control. I'm not sure my dermatologist quite understood why i'm so reluctant to take yet more drugs that could damage me in the long run. I also don't think i really want my immune system supressed in winter when there are lots of nasty viruses about...
| By jean marie on Friday, February 02, 2007 - 12:05 am: |
alopecia areata is bald patches on your body. Some people actually will lose all their hair. I battle with it on a regular basis.
| By plasmagic on Monday, January 29, 2007 - 03:27 am: |
ww.dermnetnz.org/treatments/azathioprine.html
u can get hair loss, for me i experience thinnin of skin n slow wound recover, wats alopecia areata?
| By Jean Marie on Sunday, January 28, 2007 - 08:14 pm: |
Plasmagic,
Thanks for the infor. What about hair loss? I ask because I also suffer, on occassion, from alopecia areata. I guess that is also considered an autoimmune disease. I am just a walking medical wonder.
Jean Marie
| By plasmagic on Sunday, January 28, 2007 - 06:01 pm: |
6 to 8 weeks to kick in
| By Jean Marie on Sunday, January 28, 2007 - 04:58 pm: |
My doc has just prescribed aza. How long before I can see any type of results. Also, how long can I be on this med. One of the side effects can be hair loss. Has anyone experienced this? and how much hair are we talking about?
Jean Marie
| By Minnelights on Sunday, January 28, 2007 - 01:22 am: |
to lonely soul:
sorry i didn't ansr u when u 1st contacted me.
new online n yur name scared me. I have had ezema
since birth, but went away after 20's. came back
w/avengence in my 40's. It's spreding on my face
head, and armpits now. (was only on my hands.) My
hands bcame swollen and nobody could figure out why. Have since been told it's lymphederma. I've
been 2 4 Dr.'s (spclists) and nothing? can b done.
Forget eliminating foods. Had All tests done.(tired of being handed alist of everything to avoid.) I've since become allergic to the steriod
creams, and an infection made me lose the use of my right index finger. Cell blockers help 4 a short time 4 me.
| By plasmagic on Monday, January 15, 2007 - 06:08 am: |
has anyone heard of this product? ww.crocodileoil.com/index.php
| By plasmagic on Wednesday, January 10, 2007 - 05:38 pm: |
well i talk to the derma today, he is not keen on it as he saw his patient gettin worse, in usa i think is called kangen water(search youtube), in spore i think they called it diamond energy water which i did found one testmonial on skin hk.diamondew.com/testimonial_morenews.html, but i don know if all of these different names r the same but they mention 30yrs of search from japan, actually if u do a search in this forum "microwater" someone aready mention this on 2003 aug, but the email of hers is not valid as i try to contact her.
im takin
flaxseed, evenin primrose, zinc(brought today) and calcium
| By Minesh on Wednesday, January 10, 2007 - 04:05 pm: |
Hi plasmagic
Watched the video clip on youtube. Is this true? Not sure if people here in the UK will know about this. If it is true looks like you have to suffer alot before it starts working. Are you looking to trying this treatment?? Is it available where you live in singapore? Keep us posted on your progress.
Minesh
| By Minesh on Wednesday, January 10, 2007 - 02:53 pm: |
Hi Heather,
I went to the hospital today and saw the derm nurse. She is happy with the condition of my skin. I have a few small patches on my back which I have started to apply Betnovate RD Ointment to. My face and neck are generally ok, but I am applying protopic in very small amounts to keep things under control on my face and neck.
So far my blood results are ok (been having them every month). She spoke to my derm regarding reducing aza dose to 50mg. He said I should stay on 100mg for a month or so to see if my skin continues to improve (been on them for 4 months now).
I will have to keep up what I am doing with creams etc to allow my skin to recover from the chronic ezcema I have had.
Plasmagic sorry I have not heard about electrolyzed water. I am also taking Calcium supplements for general health. I am also taking the following:
Multi-vitamin tablets
Aloe-vera Juice
Zinc tablets
Flax seed Oil
Trying to drink more water
tc
Minesh
| By plasmagic on Wednesday, January 10, 2007 - 10:43 am: |
me too had not been workin for a yr, i am takin azathioprine for 5 weeks while takin predinoslone(which made me infected) to control my condition too,i experience cramp on my finger n foot when ever i stretch them,i took a electrolyte test but everythin was fine. today i had my blood n liver test, so far everythin was gd n i was given calcium carbonate to prevent osteoporosis.
i was wonderin has anyone hread about this electrolyzed water, i asked my derma n he told me his patient actually get worse.
youtube.com/watch?v=dxLW-HKgQzU&mode=related&search=
| By Minesh on Wednesday, January 10, 2007 - 12:46 am: |
Hi Heather,
The flu injection is not a 'live' vaccine so it is ok to have whilst on aza. I have read it is a good idea to have a jab if you are taking immune suppressent drugs.
Minesh
| By Heather on Tuesday, January 09, 2007 - 06:55 pm: |
Hi Minesh
No i have not had the flu jab, keep getting letters through the post though. It's pointless me getting the jab as i have an overactive immune system,(hence the aza)so i never get the flu or cold! I was informed, however, that on this medication i cannot have 'live' vaccines so am quite surprised that your GP allowed you to have it. I have been taking 50mg and my derm hopes to reduce it to 25mg next month. It's just so good to not feel afraid to go out anymore.
Heather
| By Minesh Modha on Tuesday, January 09, 2007 - 01:20 pm: |
Hi Heather,
Its good to hear from you. I thought you may not reply to my last post again!
Good to hear that you are feeling better!!
I am too still on aza. I have been on it for 4 months now. Looks like my skin has improved but I still use Betnovate RD Ointment (for body) and Protopic (face, neck & armpits) on small patches.
I see the nurse tomorrow. My derm said he rather me use a moderate strength steriod ointment (i.e. Betnovate RD Ointment) than taking aza. He wants to reduce my dose from 100mg to 50mg. I agree with him and hope to have my dose reduced as well soon.
If all is well i want to start work again. Its been over a year since my last job! I have been getting incapacity benefit since then.
I have noticed a little bit of hair loss so far in terms of side effects. I have also had a flu injection just in case. Have you had one?
It is good to hear from you!! Do you want to stay in touch via email? My email is mgm6280@hotmail.com
tc
Minesh
| By Heather on Sunday, January 07, 2007 - 12:23 pm: |
Hi Minesh
I'm good thanks. It's been a while since i last posted a message we moved house in September and BT have been a nightmare! This is broadband just up and running.
I've been on aza for 5 months now. The only side effects that i have experienced is the hair loss. I saw my derm in October and he hopes to reduce the dosage next month. I still get flare-ups but for these i use Protopic and Elidel.
I have started to experience a social life again, finding it hard sometimes to mingle with new people as it's been so long. How are you getting on?
Heather
| By Minesh on Sunday, October 08, 2006 - 10:35 pm: |
Hi Heather,
How have things been?
I am still getting small flares but not as intense as before. I think my skin has improved a bit. Have not noticed any new side effects yet. Still applying Protopic and Betnovate RD ointment to flared areas.
Take care
Minesh
| By plasmagic on Wednesday, October 04, 2006 - 08:03 am: |
To Minesh:
traditional chinese medicine
| By Minesh on Tuesday, October 03, 2006 - 05:26 pm: |
Hi plasmagic
What is TCM?
Minesh
| By plasmagic on Monday, October 02, 2006 - 06:14 pm: |
Minesh
ur doc need to remove one n check? my derma onli touches me every time to check tat all. am havin eczema almost all over me which sometimes flare or subside, like u stayin at home, cleanin my dead skin everyday. not copin well at all..
Kitty
i live in spore which s beside u, actually i took one aza tablet i was given 2 week supply n new to aza, after tat i decided to give up. knowin aza gives me temp comfort after readin the testimonal here, am takin TCM to try, due to tat i need to know whether my TCM work so i giveup aza.
| By Minesh on Monday, October 02, 2006 - 05:56 pm: |
Hi plasmagic
My lymph glands do not cause me any problems and rarely hurt. I can hardly feel them unless I press them. The doctor's removed one to check that they are swollen because of my eczema.
How is your skin? What are you using to control it?
| By mary on Monday, October 02, 2006 - 05:53 pm: |
Hi Minesh,
I am not prepared to tell him because i afraid it would scare him away. Anyway, i suspect he is having fun behind my back.
we are not so physically intimate.
| By kitty on Monday, October 02, 2006 - 05:50 pm: |
hi plasmagic,
why you do not take the aza?
| By Minesh on Monday, October 02, 2006 - 05:50 pm: |
Hi Mary,
I think you should be honest. Better to tell him now than later on. If he really likes you for what you are inside then the skin problem should not matter. He may even be able to help you deal with it?
Are you taking Azathioprine? For how long? Any improvements?
Take care
Minesh
| By plasmagic on Monday, October 02, 2006 - 05:47 pm: |
i had swollen lymph glands those areas, my derma told me is no big deal it wil go away if ur eczema improve, but shock to hear it cause pain in u n u did a surgery. was prescribe aza but i nv consume.
| By Mary on Monday, October 02, 2006 - 05:41 pm: |
Hi friends,
i have a boyfriend. He know i have eczema but he does not know I have it even on my whole body. Shd I tell him that my skin problem is very severe???
Anyone pls advise?? thanks
| By Minesh on Monday, October 02, 2006 - 05:40 pm: |
Kitty,
After applying the steriod cream for a number of days the flare-up goes away. But I get new areas on my skin that flare so I apply steriod cream to those areas and so on ...
No I do not have a girl friend. Mostly at home no real social life due to my skin.
Minesh
| By kitty on Monday, October 02, 2006 - 05:34 pm: |
hi minesh
i m from malaysia. how about the rashes in your other areas? Have they subsided???
I am using some steroid creams, but i don't apply every day..too lazy
You got gf?
| By Minesh on Monday, October 02, 2006 - 05:28 pm: |
Hi Kitty,
Where are you from? How old are you I am 26.
It will be one month on 04/10/2006 since I have started Azathioprine. I am too still getting flare-ups in areas. What creams are you using to control your skin?
Keep me posted on your progress!!
Take care
Minesh
| By kitty on Monday, October 02, 2006 - 05:05 pm: |
hi minesh,
yes i on azathioprine for the very first time...i have eczema on most parts of my body. my skin is very dry n rough now.
sigh.i do feel pain in the elbow, maybe side effect of the medicine. i have taken it for one months.
still getting flare up in certain areas...how about you? still getting flare up? has azathioprione taken effect on you?
| By Minesh on Monday, October 02, 2006 - 04:45 pm: |
Hi Kitty,
Are you on Azathioprine? How bad is your Eczema? Are you from England? What are you using to control your skin condition? Do you have swollen lymph glands?
I had one removed from my neck via surgery to see what it is. They can be painful normally when my skin has been or is bad. You cannot see them on the skin you need to press with your fingers to feel them.
| By kitty on Monday, October 02, 2006 - 04:18 pm: |
hi minesh,
are the swollen lymph glands painful??
Which you want to remove them if they are not causing you any discomfort?
how do you remove it??surgery?
the glands cannot be seen from the surface right unless you touch it
| By Minesh on Monday, October 02, 2006 - 02:21 pm: |
Hi lonely soul
I am still needing to apply steriod cream to some areas of my skin. I have been told by my doctor that it can take 2-3 months before an improvement is noticed. Are you on Azathioprine? How bad is your ezcema and what are you using to control it? Are you from England?
Take care
Minesh
| By Minesh on Monday, October 02, 2006 - 02:16 pm: |
Hi Kitty
I have small swollen lymph glands under my armpits, sides of neck and in the groin area (just above my thighs). You can feel them with your fingers, they are like small balls. I have had them for a long while now, a couple of years (probably 3-4 years). I had one removed from the side of my neck some years back to see what it was. I have been told my lymph glands are swollen because of my eczema (reactive lymph glands). They can become tender (rarely) when my skin has been bad. I just wanted to know if there are other people with eczema who have swollen glands like me.
Minesh
| By lonely soul on Monday, October 02, 2006 - 01:07 pm: |
hi minesh,
how your skin now after taking azathioprne for some time, any improvement?
take care
| By kitty on Monday, October 02, 2006 - 01:00 pm: |
hi minesh,
what do you mean by swollen lymph gland
| By Paramjit on Saturday, September 30, 2006 - 01:38 pm: |
Hi lovely people the best treatment for eczema and dry skin is emollient therapy have shower in the morning then mix emulsifying ointment in warm water and apply to the skin i have been doing this for years and it has made my skin much better and improved its best to keep the skin moist i shower everyday and wear 100% cotton clothing and i am so happy emulsifying ointment has no harmful ingridients and is not a steroid it is greasy to use but i dont care about that i no longer use steroids even my dermatologist is happy for me shes so caring i hope you lovely people try this out too beleive me it does work.lots of luck to everyone.Paramjit xx
| By Minesh on Friday, September 29, 2006 - 04:57 pm: |
Hi Heather,
Do you have swollen lymph glands because of your eczema? Or have you had them in the past?
Minesh
| By itchy on Tuesday, September 26, 2006 - 05:59 am: |
Hi Heather,
Which country are you from?? Do youi sleep with your boyfriend at night?? Does you bf help to scratch you when you are itchy?
| By Heather on Monday, September 25, 2006 - 05:51 pm: |
Hi Minesh
Found out allergic to Lanolin by a patch test on back. I have had an allergy test, dairy, soya, dust mites were less than 0.5, Timothy grass was 39.6.
I did contact 'York Test' last year and they discovered i was intolerant to Cows milk, Lentils, Salmon/Trout & Yeast, like you i eliminated these foods for nearly a year but nothing really improved.
take care
| By Minesh on Monday, September 25, 2006 - 12:10 am: |
Heather,
You say you are allergic to Lanolin. How did you find this out? Did you have a patch test or does it make your skin worse on application i.e. red, itchy, etc...
I have had a patch test (on my back). I was told I am not allergic to substances in creams.
I have also had a food allergy test. Wheat, diary, carrots, yeast, gluten, potatoes came up. I removed these items from my diet for 3-4 months but still did not see an improvement. I have decided to eat normally. Have you removed allergic foods from your diet? Has it helped??
Minesh
| By Heather on Sunday, September 24, 2006 - 09:08 pm: |
Hi Minesh
I'm glad the pain in your wrists & elbows is easing. I have felt my throat getting dry. the only creams i am using is Elidel and Protopic. I am also allergic to Lanolin so cannot use E45 along with lots of other products!
I use Dermol for the bath and also as a wash i then smoother myself in Ultrabase, sometimes it dries that quick i'm re-applying after 10 mins!
Keep me posted with your blood test results.
Take care
| By Minesh on Sunday, September 24, 2006 - 08:28 pm: |
Hi Heather,
Hope you are well? I have not experienced hair loss or shivers yet. Pain in my elbows and wrists have got better. I have not noticed any other side effects however I do feel sometimes my throat feeling sore?? Has this happen to you?
My skin continues to flare in small areas and I am applying Elocon ointment (steriod cream) to those areas. My face flared alot recently so I am applying Protopic there. Steriod creams do not seem to work as well as Protopic on my face and neck.
Heather what creams are you using to control your flares? I also use E45 cream, Emulisfying ointment and Dermol cream. Oilatum Plus Bath Oil for the bath.
I have my next blood test this Tuesday.
I will keep you posted on my progress. Oh btw I have come across the company YorkPharma that are developing a anti-ezcema cream called Sabarep. It is currently in Phase II clinical trials. Looks interesting but may be a year or so before it comes out (hopefully it works).
Take care. Keep me posted!!
Minesh
| By Heather on Sunday, September 24, 2006 - 07:02 pm: |
Hi Minesh
How are you, experiencing any more side effects? I haven't experienced anymore side effects than the shivers, hair loss yet.
take care
| By Heather on Sunday, September 24, 2006 - 06:54 pm: |
Hi depressed gal
How are you? usually in the morning i find that my pillow is marked from my face weeping through the night so have to change my bedding every day.
I wear cotton gloves to bed to try an minimise the damage caused be scratching. I find that my sofa is covered in dead skin, it's like really bad dandruff all over it, which have to hoover or brush down every day.
take care
| By Heather on Sunday, September 24, 2006 - 06:49 pm: |
Hi lonely soul
Sometimes my flare ups look like a bad rash, other times it looks like i've been scalded.
I do have long hair but i dont count how many i am losing just know it's more than usual.
At home i usually wear jogging bottoms and cotton tops.
My boyfriend and i live together in our own home, we are moving house this weekend so after that date for a few days i might not have the use of a computer, but once it is back up and running i shall be back to chat.
I usually eat quite healthy, chicken, fish, veg, salad etc. Occasionally i feel the need for some junk food, i.e takeaways, biscuits. I have had a food allergy test, dairy, soya, dust mites were less than 0.5, Timothy grass was 39.6 so i guess i'm allergic to grass. I also suffer from hayfever and asthma. What about you?
I am 30 years old, how old are you?
Take care
| By depressed gal on Sunday, September 24, 2006 - 06:13 pm: |
hi heather,
does your bed have a lot of flakes or dead skin every morning after you wake up due to the scratching the nite before?
For me, every morning I have to vacuum the floor when I woke up..
| By lonely soul on Sunday, September 24, 2006 - 06:05 pm: |
Hi Heather,
How does your flare up look like? Are there small red dots?? like rashes?
Did you count how many hairs you are losing per day? You have long hairs?
What type of clothings you wear at home?? You mean you are staying with your bf..How abt your parents?? So you do your cooking and washing??
What do you eat everyday? Have u done any food allergies test?? For me, I haven't done any test yet ..but i think i allergic to wheat, egg, seafood n others..
| By Heather on Sunday, September 24, 2006 - 04:36 pm: |
Hi depressed gal
I too have experienced some weight gain but think that because i haven't been exercising because of skin.
No, not on antidepressants, but do sometimes get depressed because of skin.
I see my boyfriend everyday, we have lived together for 7 years.
I hope once you start taking the drug again that you see results quickly, i only take 1 tablet per day, been on them for nearly 5 weeks now.
Take care
| By depressedgal on Sunday, September 24, 2006 - 03:32 pm: |
Hi Heather,
I have stopped taking it for 2 days..and it gettign itchy and start to flare up again..so have to take the med tomorrow again taking one tablet each day...but actually the doctor ask me to take 2 tablets per day...
Have been staying at home and watch vcd..I am putting on weight recently too ..
Did you mentioned you are on antidepressant?? Why? you got depression?
How often do you meet up with ur bf?
Take care
| By Heather on Saturday, September 23, 2006 - 05:35 pm: |
Hi depressed gal
So far the only side effects i have experienced are hair loss and shivers. I am keeping a eye on the hair loss.
Is your skin starting to get better? Mine starts to get better then it flares up again, i must admit though not as bed as it has been so hopefully it is working. I see my derm again in a few wks.
Take care
| By depressed gal on Saturday, September 23, 2006 - 12:58 pm: |
Hi Heather,
I realised there is an increased in hair loss around 50 strands and i tink it is due to the medicine, azathioprene i am taking..I so scared and troubled.
So i decided to take on alternate day, 50mg
Besides hair loss, I also experienced giddiness and nausea.
How abt you?? What side effects you experience?
Thanks
| By Heather on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 06:33 pm: |
Hi Lonely soul
hope you are ok,
I have been suffering from eczema since birth, but it's the last 2 yesrs that have been unbearable it just does not want to go.
We have spoken of marriage but we can't plan anything because of my skin, i would be mortified if i got married looking the way i do now. I think i'll wait until my skin is clear for at least a good 6 months first (might never happen so a good get-out-clause for the other half!)
I currently work as a finance assistant. My condition has caused me to take time off over the last 2 years but i work in a small office with 2 other people so i'm not bothered by other colleagues too much.
I would say when it flares up it is severe it is as if i have been badly scalded, (red and weepy) and it hurts to move and then it scabs over which makes my skin extremly tight and itchy and my clothes stick to me, so tight that i cant even smile, not that i have much to smile about!
I just want to be able to wash my hair without wearing rubber gloves and go to bed without wearing cotton gloves, things that some people take for granted.
Take care
| By lonely soul on Friday, September 22, 2006 - 12:16 pm: |
Hi Heather,
Thanks for replying..I am female have been suffering from eczema for a few years already...How abt yourself?
Have you thought of getting married now since you
have been with your bf for so long..?
What are you working as? is your eczema severe?? Have you ever stopped working because of eczema?
Take care
| By Heather on Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 06:30 pm: |
Hi lonely soul
No, not married, just been together for 9 years. He does not suffer from eczema. Sometimes it does put a strain on our relationship but only on my part cause of the way i feel about myself, it does not seem to bother him. He just seems to be bothered by my low self esteem and sometimes self hatred.
Intimacy can be a problem but again only through my feelings of not liking the way i look.
When i am feeling relatively low he tries to focus my mind on other things by distraction, i.e normal day to day things. I guess i would say i am quite lucky!
Sex can be important in a relationship, but it's not the be all and end all, cuddles do me just knowing there is someone there to 'moan' at when i need to.
Are you male or female? how long have you suffered from eczema?
Take care
Heather
| By Heather on Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 06:30 pm: |
Hi lonely soul
No, not married, just been together for 9 years. He does not suffer from eczema. Sometimes it does put a strain on our relationship but only on my part cause of the way i feel about myself, it does not seem to bother him. He just seems to be bothered by my low self esteem and sometimes self hatred.
Intimacy can be a problem but again only through my feelings of not liking the way i look.
When i am feeling relatively low he tries to focus my mind on other things by distraction, i.e normal day to day things. I guess i would say i am quite lucky!
Sex can be important in a relationship, but it's not the be all and end all, cuddles do me just knowing there is someone there to 'moan' at when i need to.
Are you male or female? how long have you suffered from eczema?
Take care
Heather
| By lonely soul on Thursday, September 21, 2006 - 05:17 pm: |
Hi Heather,
You mentioned that it your partner that keep you sane.. r you married?? just curious, does your bf or hubby has eczema?? does the skin problem affects your relationship with him?
I also have eczema and this problem has put a very big barrier on my relationship. Thus, I really surprised to see how others can survive in a relationship under this type of skin condition.
Do you think sex is impt in a reltionship? and if so, people like us with eczema would not be able to have sex, thus putting a strain on our relationship.
Thanks for replying..
| By Minesh on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 - 06:22 pm: |
Hi Heather,
Shivers and hair loss are side effects of the drug. I am not sure if the increased itching is due to the drug (itching should decrease on the drug). You should tell your doctor about this one. You will need to monitor if the shivers and hair loss get worst and report it to your doctor.
I have not noticed shivers or hair loss yet but will keep monitoring. So far I have noticed joint pains in my wrists and elbows. My first two blood tests have been ok.
I have been searching the internet for clinical trials with this drug. There are a few and the general outcome is it has helped alot. Again it takes a couple of months to 'kick' in as I have read. Remission has been long when the drug is stopped as well. You may want to google for clinical trials for info?
Keep me posted on your progress. You should see improvements first as you have been on it longer then me. Fingers crossed!!!
Does your skin get infected easily and you having to be put on antibiotics?
Take care
Minesh
| By Heather on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 - 02:42 pm: |
Hi Minesh
I have been on azt for 4 weeks now just had my second blood test, having them every 2 weeks for 2 months then every month thereafter. So far i have experienced shivers and more hair loss than normal, i think thats about it so far. My first blood results were ok but i guess time will tell if it starts to affect liver etc.
I have heard of a girl through collesgues that took azt for acne and it took a while for her to experience side effects, i.e nausea, she also had bad stomach cramps and got bad mood swings, but i guess everyone is different and will experience different side effects.
The last week or so i have also been uncomfortable from my arm pits right down my sides, it's as if my skin is 'crawling' with things and the itch is unbearable i just have to scratch i can't help it. Don't know if this is a side effect or if it's just the eczema.
Take csre
Heather
| By Minesh on Tuesday, September 19, 2006 - 11:19 pm: |
Hi Heather,
Like depressedgal I have too just started Azathioprine (been on it for two weeks now). So far my skin still continues to flare. I have been told it will take time to work (if it works). I understand from your posts that you too have just started the drug. I am on 100mg a day. I still need to apply steriod creams to the flared areas. I am using protopic on my face, neck and armpits. Like you it has covered most parts of my body.
I have too been very depressed and I have not been working due to my skin. I guess we just have to wait and see if this drug will help us.
It would be excellent for us to keep in contact. Share our experiences with the drug and how things are going. I have tried to locate a support group in my area but have had no luck.
Have you noticed any side effects whilst on the drug? My elbows and wrists have been uncomfortable. It is a side effect of the drug as my doctor has told me but should get better as my body gets used to the drug (if not and it gets worse I will have to stop the drug).
I am from Leicester and 26 years old. Have had ezcema since I was 21.
Take care
Minesh
| By Heather on Tuesday, September 19, 2006 - 08:17 pm: |
Hi depressedgal
How are you?? I'm not too bad but skin was starting to clear the last couple of days but low and behold as always it lasts a couple of days then it flares up again. It's like 1 step forward and then 10 back. Social life non existent.
I am a 30 yesr old female living in Northamptonshire and because of my concerns surrounding azt my derm put me on 50mg per day to start with....initially on it for 6 months to see how things go. I too know exactly how you feel, i somethings wonder if i can go on it's my other half that keeps me sane (well tries to). I just try and think positive and think that this cant last forever! I have suffered from eczema from birth, up until 2yrs ago it was relativly controlled but it just does not seem to want to go now!! I cant even bare to look at my skin anymore.
Like you i have it in most places now (never use to)......it seems to disappear from one area only to rear it's ugly head in another. the worse thing for me is the upper body, face, arms etc. I look at people with nice skin and i feel so jealous and wonder why cant i be 'normal' like everyone else.
I do work and my work colleagues dont seem to bother with my skin.......not to my face anyway. It angers me when some people moan about a dam spot, i bet people like us wish that's all we had to moan about!!
Take care depressedgal
try and keep smiling
Heather
| By depressed gal on Monday, September 18, 2006 - 04:39 pm: |
hi minesh,
you can click on my name to see my email address..thanks
anyway, it is emalezz@yahoo.com
| By Minesh on Monday, September 18, 2006 - 04:15 pm: |
Hi Depressed Gal
I just remembered that I forgot to mention the side-effects I noticed with Cyclosporine. The main side-effect was increased hair growth and minor swelling of my gums. Which have stopped since coming of the drug.
Minesh
| By Minesh on Monday, September 18, 2006 - 12:44 pm: |
Hi Depressed Gal
Cyclosporine did help but did not clear me completely. I still continued to get flares about every two weeks and still needed to apply steriod creams during the flares. It did not work well on my legs as I got infected hair follicles (was put on antibiotics for a month) but helped elsewhere. Cyclosporine worked alot quicker than Azathioprine and I noticed a change in a couple of days. I have been told it is a drug that may help some but not everyone.
The main reason I changed to Azathioprine was because Cyclosporine did not help as I thought it might. I was hoping to have a long break from steriod creams but only got about two weeks until I got another flare. I am hoping Azathioprine will worker better as there is nothing really else to try! Read the following article //news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4833792.stm
I also noticed that once Cyclosporine is stopped the skin will flare after a couple of days (like when you stop steriod tablets).
Have you had Atopic Eczema from a child or have you developed it when you were older? I got it when I was 21 years old.
Yes we can chat by email if you want. What is your email address?
Take care
Minesh
| By depressedgal on Monday, September 18, 2006 - 05:26 am: |
Hi Minesh,
Can I know why you switch from cyclosporin to azathioprene??
And how ur experience with ciclosporin?? does it also take a long time before you can see the effect??
Do you want to email me about your experience??
I am from spore
Thanks
Take care
Waiting for your msg
| By Minesh on Sunday, September 17, 2006 - 08:22 pm: |
Hi Depressed Gal
It will be two weeks on the 20th September since I started Azathioprine. I have too not noticed any improvements in my skin condition. My dermatologist and dermatology specialist nurse say it can take 2-3 months before an improvement is noticed (that is if it works). I am still applying steriod creams to the flared areas and trying to cut its application slowly. I too have been feeling very upset at times and do often have negative thoughts. I am too not working and I am most of the times at home.
I have just had my second blood test to see how the drug is working. I have noticed that my wrists and elbows feel werid so I will need to tell my doctor about this.
Please let us know your progress on the drug.
Take care
Minesh
P.S. Where are you from?
| By depressed gal on Sunday, September 17, 2006 - 04:40 pm: |
Hi Heather,
How r you now?? Btw, r you girl or guy?? how old are you?? I am 31 years old female..taking 100mg of azathioprene per day (around 2 weeks) plus prednolosone at times..But I am still getting flare up now..I am having atopic eczema practically whole body..feeling miserable at times and dunno what to do now..feel like ending my life at times
I am not working at the moment.
| By Minesh on Wednesday, September 06, 2006 - 04:16 pm: |
Hi,
I am 26 years old (Male) from England and have suffered from Atopic Eczema for the past 5-6 years. It has gradually worked its way to cover most of my body. I have tried numerous treatments but nothing has helped to relieve me of my symptoms. I have also tried Cyclosporine for 7 months which did help to a certain degree but failed to clear me completely. Today I have started Azathioprine after a months break from Cyclosporine. My dermatologist says it will take about 6 weeks for it to fully start working. I have been put on an initial dose of 100mg a day which may be increased depending on how well the drug works at the initial dose. I am also using Protopic and Dermovate to help clear my current flare-up.
I would like to know if there are more people out there on Azathioprine and the experiences they have had with the drug.
Waiting for more posts…
Thanks
Minesh
| By heather on Monday, September 04, 2006 - 05:48 pm: |
Hi depressedgal
No i stopped taking prednisolone a couple of months ago as i was on a very high dose. I am still using elidel and protopic. I am starting to get depressed too as i have had eczema since birth but it has been manageable. The last 20 months has been unbearable it just does not seem to want to go. I have been told by my derm that azathioprine is the last option i have.
| By depressedgal on Sunday, September 03, 2006 - 12:28 pm: |
Hi Heather,
Because of the increased hair loss, I have stopped taking asathioprine for one day..
Btw, did you take prednisolone together with the azathioprine??
thanks..
| By heather on Saturday, September 02, 2006 - 04:20 pm: |
Hi Depressedgal
I have been on azathiprine for a short period also, only 10 days and i have noticed more hair loss than normal when washing my hair etc. I am concerned that this may be permanent or will the hair loss stop once the drug is stopped? Does anyone know? My derm did not tell me anything about the drug, everything i know i have read up on. does anyone know how long this takes to work??
| By depressedgal on Saturday, September 02, 2006 - 04:00 pm: |
Hi, anyone experienced hair loss while taking asathioprine??
I have only took 3 pills and notice an increase in hair loss..
Anyone who have taken azathioprine pls advise thanks
| By Elaine on Saturday, April 22, 2006 - 11:29 pm: |
does anyone taking azt have side effects including bad dizziness with heart palpitations. my son aged 27 is taking AZT for ulcerative colitis together with prednisolone and Asacol and doctors dont seem to know the reason for the dizziness - I wondered if anyone else on this medication has experienced this
| By timb on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 05:19 pm: |
Dear all,
Does anyone out there that is taking AZT have a problem with warts ?
Since taking AZT [8 months] I have developed several warts on my left hand and also on my left foot. These are really annoying!
| By PS on Tuesday, September 06, 2005 - 10:06 pm: |
Please could I have some feedback about how common it is for a school age child (5) to have increased infections when they are on Azathioprine. Our daughter is due to start on it at the end of the month, and we just wondered whether the infections are likely to be a problem? Have children missed much time off of school, what other precautions can we take? Any info welcome!!
Thank you.
| By lynne on Monday, August 29, 2005 - 10:13 pm: |
My 10 year old son has suffered severe atopic excema since birth after trying all medical and homeopathic treatments 10 months ago our dermotology team put him on azothiaprine, It was a last resort as his quality of life was so badly affected by the excema we would have tried anything. The difference in his life is incredible he has learnt to swim with his classmates which he would never have been able to do and has enjoyed the everyday things other children take for granted. Blood tests are a small price to pay for such an improvement in his life and I just hope he is not taken off the drug as he says he never wants to go back to the life of bandages and steroids
| By timb on Wednesday, August 24, 2005 - 12:50 pm: |
Hi Tropical,
I have been taking Azathioprene now for the past 4 months. I am 39 years old and have had severe atopic eczema for the past 17 years.
I have found that AZT has helped my eczema and although I still use topical steriods from time to time, I am a lot better than I was before.
Good luck with the treatment and let me/us know how you get on. Or if you have any further questions.
Timb
| By Tropical on Thursday, August 11, 2005 - 03:47 am: |
I am 60 years and have had eczema for l5 years. Prednisone steroid tablets have left my skin fragile and now I find that when I get a flare up they dont work so I put on steroid creams and moisturizer but continue to itch and the skin breaks out and I have now been prescribed AZathioprene. Will it make a difference, will it give me some relief. I live in the West Indies although I am Irish so the heat is not favourable to my condition but its where I live so I have to learn to deal with it.
Can any adult who has been on it let me know either on this site or soodeen@trinidad.net
thanks
| By ruth on Thursday, April 21, 2005 - 04:25 am: |
HKH - Like TimB says there is the TPMT test which can give an predictor as to whether the AZT will cause myelosuppression - it is not a watertight test as many would know - we had this test done too prior to our girl starting AZT (she was only 4 years old - and if you had seen what eczema had done to her you would understand why we had to put her on it - as all other avenues were exhausted and it was so incredibly severe). Although her TPMT levels came back in the moderate range meaning that we could perhaps use a higher dose than even what TimB might be able to - we still got myelosuppression happening - which resulted in her having to go off it. It certainly isnt a medication that people get put onto lightly - whether young or old - and often it is because of the fact that nothing else can seem to get a good grip on the condition that it is often used as a last resort. I know it certainly was with ours and from my personal and work experiences - it has been the same with others.
| By timb on Wednesday, April 20, 2005 - 07:48 pm: |
HKH,
I have recently started taking Azathioprine and I did have a blood test for my TPMT level.
The test came back and I have a fairly low level of TMPT which means that I can only take a low dose of AZT.
I hope this helps.
| By HKH on Wednesday, April 20, 2005 - 06:14 pm: |
There seems to be no doubt that taking Azathiprene increases the chance of cancer. Although not a doctor, it looks as though there may be a test to see if a patient is particularly pre-disposed to getting cancer if taking the drug. A paper published in Clinical and Experimental Dermatology (26) includes the following:
"Azathioprene myelotoxicity and drug efficacy are now known to be related to the activity of a key enzyme in azathioprene metabolism, thiopurinemethyltransferase (TPMT). Recently the facility for TPMT measurement has become more widely available, providing the possibility to optimise the therapeutic affect of azathioprene, yet minimise the risk of toxicity"
For all I know this might mean that they do a blood test to check your TPMT level to find out whether you are a suitable person to have azathioprene.
I am finding out more and will do a further posting.
By the way I would have thought that young people should avoid thus drug if they possibly can.
HKH
| By kenny on Thursday, April 14, 2005 - 01:54 am: |
Hi sandraedwards,
I've had severe eczema for almost 32 years (I'm almost 32-years-old) and used a variety of drugs to suppress my immune system.
I was on aziathiaprine for about 18 months and, after a break, for another nine months. Yes it suppresses the immune system, but it is considered to be one of the safer drugs that do so. It's been around for a long time, so the doctors know exactly what to look for in the blood tests to see if anything is wrong. It worked well for me and gave me a much needed break from the worst of my eczema.
I managed to get on top of a new and difficult job and even travel around Europe for a bit, which would have been next to impossible for me prior to using it.
One GP told me that the cancer risk from taking it is akin to smoking. But a dermatologist disagreed and said that smoking is a much more carcinogenic activity than taking Aza. http://www.dermnetnz.org/treatments/azathioprine.html is a good site to lean about the risks, but note that "side effects are generally mild". I still ate like a pig, maintained a healthy liver and never experienced bone marrow suppression (although some do, but are taking off the drug straight away with no permanent damage).
All my blood tests came back fine during the period I was on it, and I was taking up to 150mg doses. My urine did turn bright yellow, but the docs were not worried.
If your grandson does go on it, make sure he keeps all his blood test appointments. Have a really good chat with the doc, and grill him with questions.
I put the risk posed by taking it to the back of my mind eventually, but it did take a while. i have to get on and live my life, and the drugs help me do that more than I could without them. it's as simple as that. sorry for the 10 cent philosophy.
I hope your grandson gets better soon.
| By ruth on Thursday, April 14, 2005 - 01:24 am: |
sandra - there is actually a message board on azathioprine on this site - type in azathioprine under the 'by key words' selection on the left hand menu of the screen and it should bring it up. there have been lots of posts here (including some by myself - i had to put my 4yr old daughter on it back then - made an incredible difference i must say). Hopefully you will get some info from there - but as with all treatments - it is very much an individual response as you would know - and sometimes just have to try these things for oneself to see how they will go. But first get as much info as you can and feel free here to ask whatever questions you want. ONe advantage of asking us questions is that we live this stuff in the real world so you may get some helpful tips on how to cope/manage with things from other persons here. All the best
| By sandraedwards on Wednesday, April 13, 2005 - 08:55 pm: |
have just come across this website looking for information for my 16 year old grandson who is suffering really badly with eczema at the moment. He has had it all over his body since a child,had steriods, all the creams and has just finished 30 sessions of "radium" treatment (causing him more distress and pain) with no success at all! They are now offering him treatment with Azathioprine tablets, which I believe is an immune supressant and I would love to hear from anyone who has undergone this treatment. We are really concerned about side effects. Any help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated
| By HKH on Wednesday, April 13, 2005 - 08:53 pm: |
By HKH on Sunday, April 10, 2005 - 05:07 pm:
I would like to hear from anyone who has atopic eczema plus chronic actinic dermatitis - CAD -(which is eczema caused by exposure to the ultraviolet in sunlight). I have been on azathioprene (AZT)for five years and should by now change treatment as I understand extended treatment with AZT increases the chance of getting cancer. In spite of the AZT treatment the CAD gradually gets worse.