Azathioprine for AIH and mild itching

I was recently diagnosed with Autoimmune Hepatitis and my doctor has put me on (to start) 50 mg of Azathioprine. I have been taking it for slightly over a month and have already seen an improvement in my liver panel.

After taking Azathioprine for 3 and 1/2 weeks, I came down with a virus of some sort (tested neg. for strep and mono). Sore throat, cough, runny nose, chills, etc. Day 2 into the 'virus' I developed true hives. Large, dark pink, raised itchy places all over my body. My doc (primary doctor, not my Hepatologist)put me on Prednisone to knock the hives out. That worked great. NOTE: My liver doc did not think it was the Azathioprine that caused the hives (as an allergic reaction) because I'd been on the drug for 3 and 1/2 weeks prior to the hives and he thought it was viral related.

Now, although the  hives are gone the virus is still hanging on and I've developed a mild itching around my wrists and on the bottom of my feet and stomach area. Only the itch on the soles of my feet is bad and that only happens (generally) at night. Benedryl helps ease it.

I know liver disease can cause itching, but I NEVER had that before and with improving liver enzyme numbers, I wouldn't think that would be the cause.

Question.......does anyone else take Azathioprine and does anyone have the itching symptoms with taking the azathioprine? I'm really worried that it IS the Azathioprine. I guess it could be viral related, as this virus is hanging on for dear life.

[chcnme]

Hi Jenny. Sorry about the recent diagnosis of autoimmune hep and the itching.  I don't know much about Autohep, and I know nothing about Azathioprine.  Hep can cause itching, but in your case I couldn't begin to guess what it might be related to or if the addition of Azathioprine is the cause.  Since you just started that drug,  I would wonder, too, if it could be related (or the cause), and I hope your hep doc will be able to narrow it down and treat these rashes again successfully.   Best of luck.  

[Maari]

Hi Jenny  I also have AIH, I am on 100mg of aza. I have no side effect from taking it. I was started out on pred and aza, now on aza alone. I hated the side effets of pred.  Aza can affect the white blood count, which it why regular blood tests are important. Some folks get very ill with aza and can not take it. There is some blood test that can predict those who can not tolerate aza. I was dx in june 04.  There are only a few of us with AIH here.  I would recommend you check out AutoImmuneHepatitis.co.uk  Ask your question there, I have had no question that someone could not answer. There are folks on the site who have had AIH for 20+ years. It feels good to know that you are not alone.
A rash is one of the lessor side effects listed on azathioprine  drug information. It is good that you are checking this out.  Each of us is different in how we respond to drugs. I have a handicapped daughter who is allergic to many medications. I check her skin for rashes with each new drug. Sometimes the rash and itching will go away others get very bad. A full blown allergic reaction is not good.  You are the best one to keep tract of this.  I keep a journal on myself, it helps me keep tabs on my symptoms.  Keep asking questions. Hang in there.
Maari

[mremeet]

I used to think that was odd for allergic reactions to occur after initially successfully taking a drug for several weeks with no bad reactions. But that's what happened to me recently with an anti-hepC research drug I was taking. I successfully took it for about two months before I started having a really bad skin allergy to it. I've seen it happen in others too, this sort of delayed allergic reaction. People who work with epoxy that is used in composite construction (kevlar, fiberglass, carbon fiber etc) for aircraft and other applications can develop epoxy sensitivity over time. Initially they can get away with being in contact with the epoxy (mostly on their hands), some for a long time. And then one day out of the blue they have a bad skin reaction to it, and remain allergic to it for the rest of their lives.

Not saying that your hives were because of the Azathioprine, but from what I've seen allergies don't always necessarily manifest themselves immediately after you come into contact with the "allergen". Some allergies can develop over time.

[Maari]

Hi Scott Thank you for the Christmas greetings.  The same to you are your family. I have been feeling very good. Have not been posting very much lately. I have been busy with some volunteer work. I have to remind myself not to over commit. How are you? Is the treatment of AIH still on hold? Hope you have a healthy new year. We always go to Wausau for Christmas, so don't order the snow until after we get there. Maari

[Another Queen]

I was also on pred. and azathioprine.  Have been on the aza for 5yrs. I was able to come off of the pred. but have not yet been succesful with tapering the aza.  I hope this winter we will try again.  I can remember some slight itching and rash that I believe comes along with the auto hep. My main complaint at this point is the extreme fatigue. I was diagnosed 5 years ago have had liver biopsy and 41/2 yrs of steroids and the aza.  But feel pretty good now.  My liver counts are normal and hopefully we will try to taper the aza.  Much luck to you and hope that you will continue to feel well. Happy holidays.
Sincerely,
Another Queen