Autoimmune hepatitis*

Am 22 years old newly diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis i am considering if can i take doxycycline for acne while am using Prednisolone and azathioprine ? And does anyone use Prednisolone and azathioprine before ? because i am afraid from their sides effect

Hi Gabrella,
As @johnbishop suggested, I moved your message to this existing discussion about autoimmune hepatitisis so that you can connect with other members. You are wise to ask about side effects or interactions when taking more than 1 drug. Pharmacists are very knowledgeable about drug interactions. Have you talked to your pharmacist?

Thanks Colleen!

@gabrella, Hi Gabrella. I want to welcome you and to tell you that I was once believed to have autoimmune hepatitis. This was around 15 years ago, and my diagnosis turned out to be something different.

When they thought I had autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) I was first prescribed prednisone. I had blood drawn frequently. I do not recall if I had any side effects. My GI added the azathioprine so he could reduce the dosage of the prednisone. At my first blood draw, I bled more that usual. Instead of adjusting the dosage, my GI chose to take me off those 2 meds all together and referred me to consult with a liver specialist. My GI said doubted if I even had AIH in the first place. It was my belief at time that he could have adjusted the dosage, but he chose the approach that was right for me.

I urge you to ask your doctor about using the doxycycline. When you are living with a liver condition, you do not want to add anything that can put further stress on the liver.
Gabrella, are you being treated by your PCP, or a gastroenterologist (GI) ?
Rosemary

@johnbishop @colleenyoung
Thank you very much
Actually I didn’t ask my pharmacist but i will ask him as soon as possible

@rosemarya hi rosemary and thank you for your respond
Am being treated by GI .
I wanna ask you it is something easy to live with autoimmune hepatitis ? because i am really disappointed to have this condition in very young age and i feel it gonna affect the way i live my life

@gabrella Gabrella, It is good to hear that you are seeing a GI because they have the specialized training to monitor your AIH.

I understand your disappointment, and perhaps fear, at the diagnosis - especially at your young age. However, I have learned from my experience and 68 years of living, that learning about your disease from reliable sources (Mayo is the best) and being proactively involved with your doctor in your treatment is the best thing you can do.

Since, I did not have AIH, I have no experience of my own to share with you. Instead I want to share the link that will take you to Mayo Clinic's Patient Care and Health Information. By clicking on this link, you will go directly to the autoimmune hepatitis section. Here you will find accurate information about AIH plus questions to ask your doctor.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autoimmune-hepatitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352153

I look forward to hearing from you.
Let me know if this helps.
Rosemary

Hi @gabriella,

Here's some information from Mayo Clinic, about doxycycline and possible drug interactions, which you may also wish to view:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/doxycycline-oral-route/before-using/drg-20068229

@luserm1, I want to wish you well on your check-up in December. I hope that you are feeling well. Have you received the results of your liver tissue biopsy yet?
Rosemary

@gabrella, I hope you found the information on AIH to be helpful.

One thing that all liver diseases have in common is that they put stress on our liver and make it work harder. So we, the patients, can help it by making healthy lifestyle choices like physical exercise, healthy eating, limiting or avoiding alcohol use. Another thing is to consult with your GI before taking any about any prescription or over the counter medications. Some herbal supplements are also harmful to the liver. I realize that at the wonderful age of 22 this might seem overwhelming. Your GI should be able to give you direction for your own situation.

I was sent to GI by my PCP after abnormal liver function numbers on repeated routine labs. After a series of blood tests ruled out other liver conditions, my GI suspected AIH because I do have some history of autoimmune conditions in my family, plus I have vitiligo. Unfortunately for me, it did not stop there, and I needed to be referred to Liver specialist for different condition.

Gabrella, May I ask you, what led you to the GI for diagnosis of AIH?
Rosemary