Imuran and Allergic Reaction: What Users Say

• Kar...
• February 26, 2020

For Lupus "I was prescribed Imuran for systemic lupus. I took the medicine for about one month. I had a terrible allergic reaction - I was hospitalized for several days. High fever, liver, and joint pain. It is my understanding that Imuran can cause an allergic reaction (it was not a unique reaction to me). I have since learned (from a doctor at the Johns Hopkins Lupus Center) that there is a test to determine if you will tolerate Imuran. The test checks the level/presence of an enzyme necessary for the body to process or tolerate Imuran. I would ask your doctor about the test for Imuran tolerance before starting Imuran - my allergic reaction was very bad. I am not an alarmist, and I understand that Imuran is an effective medicine for many people. However, I wish I had known that a test was available to determine if a patient will tolerate Imuran, as this would have been extremely helpful and I could have avoided a very serious allergic reaction to Imuran."

• MI ...
• February 18, 2016

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "The first two to three weeks were fine. Then I started experiencing a bad headache, the next two days fever and chills. The next evening, severe chills, weakness, dizziness, raging fever (up to 104.3), and began throwing up. It was the worst I've ever felt in my life (and that includes a hospitalization in ICU when first diagnosed). I was on the verge of calling 911. However, it eventually passed (as the medicine worked its way out of my system) and the fever subsided. My rheumatologist ran a complete series of blood work and she said that I had an allergic reaction. Prior to starting Imuran, I had been tested for liver compatibility and the results showed that I would have no issues, so I proceeded. Proceed with extreme caution."

• Sou...
• May 27, 2011

For Ulcerative Colitis "Wonderful medicine. I was extremely sick, went 20 times to the bathroom in 8 to 9 hours, was really sick, and finally gave in to start this medicine with the rest I had been taking. Within 5 hours, everything slowed down. I felt like a new person. But, sadly to say, it was short-lived. I started reacting 2 to 3 days in, and the reactions got worse. I had to stop taking it."

• ric...
• December 7, 2009

For Lupus "Had an allergic reaction about three weeks into treatment. Broke out in hives. Was taking it for systemic lupus."