The drug is Azathioprine

I take Methotrexate and Prednisone. They both require additional medications for the side effects but I don't know about Azathioprine. I know there are a few others on that one and perhaps they can offer better advice.

Hey freelee how are you doing so far with the azathioprine? I hope you're doing alright with it. The first while on it can be kind of tough if your stomach bothers you often with meds. Methotrexate, another imune suppressant, definitely requires the addition of folic acid but azathioprine does not. I've talked to my rheumy about this and I've been on azathioprine for about the past year now and used it in past active stages of my DM. I do also take fish oil, but I have done that at all times since I don't eat much fish and fish oil is a really good anti-inflammatory.
Otherwise, just make sure you're eating healthy and practicing a healthy lifestyle with whatever exercise you can. Be careful to wash your hands lots to keep yourself from getting sick and that's about all I can think of. You can also always ask your rheumy the next time you see them if they think any other supplements might be beneficial to you. My rheumy isn't a big supporter or supplements, but I'm not really one for supplements either... I'd rather just eat healthier and get it the natural way.

Good luck!
Nicole

My rheumatologist told me to not take folic acid. He says that methotrexate works by somehow stopping the folic acid from doing what it is supposed to do, so adding more folic acid would be in effect countering the methotrexate. Sorry for the vaugeness of this entry. I don't remember the details of what he told me and I haven't taken the time to research it. I do take fish oil, calcium and vitamin D. The last in particular seems to help my energy levels. Maybe it is the placebo effect. I don't care as long as it works!

@ Danny~

My doctor used to have me skip my folic acid on the day I take my mtx...something about the absorption...but, I take 2mg now...I also take Leukavorin the day after my mtx. About two years ago....my white count got to around 1 and I had to do a leukavorin rescue...go down on my mtx and go back up on prednisone until stable. My white count now, is around 2.5. It runs VERY low...lower than most...but, I have been very fortunate and have stayed relatively healthy. Despite working in doctors offices! The mtx is a form of chemo and has a devastating effect on your white count...in addition to everything else. I stand by it...God knows how my counts would be without it.

wrknprogress, thanks for the information. I get my white count checked when I have my various levels drwn, every two months. No problems yet. I am surprised that you can avoid infections working in a doctor's office with such a low count. Good for you!

good point worknprogress - my pharm told me to watch when I take my calcium, bc it effects absorbancy of other meds.