Medicine induced hepatitis

[BJK7493@aol.com]

I was just recently started on IV Gammaglobulin and Azathioprine by my Rheumy. I had had IV AP therapy in Ida Grove in August which helped my joints but not the terrible rash I had. I reluctantly agreed to start on the chemo drug even though I did not tolerate the last one at all! Anyways, over the last 2-3 weeks I have had terrible bloating in my stomach area with pains under my rib cage and shortness of breath. Also extremely constipated. So I called the rheumy as it was unbearable yesterday and he told me to come in and have labs drawn. He called me this mornig to tell me I had medicine induced hepatitis caused by the Azathioprine and to stop the med immediately.  Has anyone ever had this happen to them? Why wasn't I told this was a possibility when he put me on this stupid drug! I feel like I have taken 2 steps forward and 10 backwards.  Now I have to have labs drawn again on Monday to see if I can even start my IV Gamma on Monday!  I am so FRUSTRATED!

 

Julie 

[PhilC]

Hi Julie,

I am sure that you are not only person on here who has experienced liver injury caused by a drug. You can help protect your liver by taking N-acetyl cysteine and milk thistle extract. Consider taking one or both of those.

Here is some information that may be helpful:

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/milk-thistle-000266.htm
http://cms.herbalgram.org/herbalmedicine/MilkThistlefruit.html
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/138.html

Phil

"Unthinking respect for authority is the greatest enemy of truth."
- Albert Einstein

[ajohnson]

Julie,
I'm so sorry for you. You have been through so much. You must be strong and keep fighting. Take care=)
ajohnson

[sjess]

Hi Julie,

I'm so sorry for this sudden turn of events. I can certainly understand your frustration! :headbang:  Hang in there.

Sharon

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