Comparing Azathioprine vs Remicade

For Ulcerative Colitis This medicine seemed to work at first, the negatives ultimately were worse than the positives. It did put me down to about 4 bowel motions a day but it was at the cost of horrendous acne, terrible headaches, joint pain and fatigue. Doctor still has me on it for another autoimmune disease but keeps me at a minimum.

For Ulcerative Colitis Have had UC since 1991 and been on Prednisolone and Asacol which became ineffective. Severe attack October 2016 - spent 10 days in hospital. IV steroids and then sent home on reducing steroids - symptoms began to return. Azathioprine prescribed. Certainly helped reduce and eventually stop UC bleeding. Trips to the toilet reduced to around 3 or 4 occasions . Initially caused liver function problems which improved. However the drug has shattered my immune system - have taken any cold, cough or flu that crops up. Makes me fatigued after around 40 minutes exertion. Cannot now play golf, take hill walks or do heavy garden work etc. I guess it is good for some patients and not so good for others. Seeing consultant soon and will discuss options.

For Crohn's Disease, Maintenance I'M 32 AND I'VE HAD CROHNS NOW FOR 14 YEARS. REMICADE WAS A GOD SEND BUT ONLY FOR A LIMITED TIME. I STARTED OFF LIKE EVERYONE ELSE WITH I.V EVERY 8 WEEKS. THEN AFTER A COUPLE OF YEARS IT WAS WEARING OFF FASTER SO THEN EVERY 6 WEEKS. THEN EVERY 4 WEEKS THEN IT WAS BACK ON THE STEROIDS ALONG WITH THE 4 WEEK TREATMENT. WELL AFTER 6-7 YEARS ON REMICADE IT WASN'T WORKING ANYMORE. I DO RECOMMEND IT BECAUSE I WOULD GIVE ANYTHING RIGHT NOW TO GET THOSE 6 YEARS BACK BECAUSE EVEN THOUGH I WAS BECAME IMMUNE TO IT I FELT 20 TIMES BETTER THEN COMPARED TO NOW. SINCE THE REMICADE NOTHING HAS WORKED FOR ME SINCE.

For Crohn's Disease, Maintenance I am 24 and I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease a year and a half ago now. I've been receiving this infusion for the past 12 months. The relief was brilliant bar constantly catching coughs, colds and flu's but it was worth it as I could lead a normal life again. My infusions were every 8 weeks and could take anything up to 4 hours but my remission time between infusions began to steadily decrease. I have now had my 9th infusion and receive them every 5 weeks. My body has grown an immunity to the drug and my doctor is changing me onto Humira as a last resort to avoid surgery. Hope this helps somebody.