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Has anyone been on azathioprine (Imuran) for a very long time?

Digestive Health | Last Active: Feb 7 8:17pm | Replies (16)
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@astaingegerdm

@jgkc23
I was on Imuran for several months for another form of GI autoimmune illness. I had to stop it because I got so many infections.
In your case it’s great that a low dose has kept you healthy.
I believe that many of the immunosuppressive drugs can cause cancer- it prevents our immune system to fight cancer.
You mentioned skin cancer- I have had more than my share of skin cancers since the Imuran treatment.
They do mention that prolonged use can cause skin cancer and lymphoma.
Regarding the cost of other newer biologics does Medicare cover any? I’m also in the hated donut hole.
See what your Internist recommends and don’t go off Imuran abruptly without plans for another drug. Good luck!

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Replies to "@jgkc23 I was on Imuran for several months for another form of GI autoimmune illness. I..."
jgkc23 | @jgkc23 | Feb 7 2:19pm

Thanks for your note. No, my Medicare Advantage plan will not pay for any biologics. They are terribly expensive. My new GI dr is leaving me on it for now. Recent colonoscopy showed one precancerous nodule. More pseudopolys - which are part of ulcerative colitis as we get older. Pseudopolyps will never become cancerous. They usually start in your 50's - just a few and recently more. Thanks again for your comment.

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