The rheumatologist suggested that my wife move off of Cellcept, which she had been taking for some time now, and move to a similar type of medication called Azathioprine, or Imuran by brand. Azatioprine is pronounced (aze-uh-THIGH-oh-preen) by the way. I have no idea why it matters to me, but I do like knowing the correct way to pronounce these things.

Like Cellcept, Imuran is an immunosuppressant medication, commonly used for people who have had kidney transplants, but it has a secondary use as a medication for rheumatoid arthritis. I’m not sure if its use in lupus is related to its use for arthritis, or just the fact that it’s an immunosuppressant. I suspect it’s a bit of both.

Like with any change in medication, I think it’s a good idea for both you and your spouse to keep an eye out for any changes that may indicate serious side-effects or reactions.

So, does anyone have experience with Imuran?