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?

Considering the amount of medication we have to deal with, it’s rare to get excited about something; however, I thought this was good news. The experimental drug, CellCept, has recently been granted fast track status with the FDA according to Reuters News Agency,

The FDA’s Fast Track designation is designed to speed up the application and review process for products that have the potential to address a serious or life-threatening condition. There has been no new approved treatment for lupus in the United States in over 30 years…

My wife has been taking CellCept for almost two years (more…)