Hello everyone, I was diagnosed with Lupus a year ago. Began Plaquenil in January of this year and have been well controlled until a month or so ago. I’ve been experiencing shortness of breath and thought it was due to asthma…but now it seems that it’s Lupus. my rheumatologist stated that I would need to be on steroids and/or Imuran. I read up on Imuran and scary side effects including malignancy and am really scared to try it. Anyone taking it or have taken it? if so, what was your experience?
Good Morning Evie,
I've been on Imuran for the past year. At first I was on a low dosage, two 50 mg tablets twice a day. It really did not do anything for me. My rheumy increased it to four 50 mg tablets twice a day. I did feel about 75% better. I did have an adverse reaction to it. My liver function test were elevated. AST was 3 times higher than it should be. The ALT was 5 times higher. Need less to say my doc was like no, lets taper you back down to two tabs and see if the levels go down. I just had my blood work done and it did show after 6 weeks my levels are going back down. That was my experience with Imuran. Just remember that everyone's body chemistry is different and what works for me may not work for anyone else, and vice versa. Discuss your concerns with your doc. I did. He gave me the success rates and stats he has had with his 30+ year lupus patient history. We made the decision together and we monitored the changes closely. If you have doubts, seek out other alternatives.
Have a wonderful day,
Minxie
Thank you, Minxie. I’m very concerned about it due to family history of blood cancers. Currently on a second Prednisone pack to see if that helps with my breathing.