Yes, you really need to contact a doctor.

There's apparently a high incidence of blood related issues, notably leukopenia, with imuran. Leukopenia occurs there aren't enough white blood cells, possibly because of drug-induced bone marrow suppression. I had this condition (actually pancytopenia, where all my blood counts were down) from Remicade, but there's a higher incendence with imuran.

I have no personal experience with this drug, but my sister-in-law, who has RA and had a kidney transplant, was taking imuran to prevent transplant rejection, but developed leukopenia and had to stop the drug.

There is a danger when you develop an infection with low white cell counts. In my case, I went to the ER, with a 103.5 fever, prompting the CBC which showed low blood counts. I was admitted to the hospital, and remained there for 6 days, receiving IV antibiotics and neupogen injections, tp help boost my neutrophil counts. Again, different drug, but same warning.

Best wishes to you.
doug

thank you for your reply..finally went to dr and got griped out for not coming sooner..lol..she told me when i get sick i have to be seen so they can decide if i need to stop meds..she took me off plaquinl and imuran for a week..i have never been told this before..is this normal? take care all!

You are at greater risk of infection. I've heard that pneumonia is common.

yes i know..it seems i get pneumonia every time i get sick..but no one has ever said get off meds! Glad someone finally did because it seems i got better faster than ever! feel soooooo much better even got my voice back! hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend!

Barbara, With RA you have a suppressed immune system,and RA medications lower the ability to fight off germs and infection.

You need to call your doctor if you get sick on most RA meds. I take minocycline as part of my RA regime.

Minocycline is an antibotic. I take it in small doses 100 mg 2ce daily. If you believe that RA is caused by a bacterial infection, than antibotics would make sense.

I only mention the minocycline because since I have been on it I don't get sick very often. Prior to taking it I would have 2 ashmatic bronchitis atacks 2ce yearly like clockwork.

I also take vitamin C, a one a day woman's vitaman and caklcium magnesium and zinc. Zinc also is a germ fighter. On top of all these supplements I wash my hands frquently and carry hand sanitizer in my purse.

Hope you are feeling better soon. hugs, marcia

I started Imuran in the past two months, along with my Remicade. I had such a reaction to it, I was in bed for a week. I developed a severe chest infection/fever/trouble with my kidneys. As far as I am concerned, that crap is worse than my disease! YES!! Call your Dr. Trust me, this drug is nothing to play around with.

Heather