Talk Cancer

Question:

I had the same problem on Imuran.  Never saw it listed as a side affect, but still had it.  I have dark skin and normally don’t burn, but just a few minutes in the sun and I’d be red.  Also would  get sick feeling if I didn’t wear a hat out….. Be well- Tracy My homepage: http://home.talkcity.com/ParadiseDr/goodboie/index.html Smile – it makes people wonder what you’ve been up to!!!! ; )

Response:

Jason, I am not sure about the research, but my doctor told me to avoid sunlight when on the medication also. Ask your doctor, he/she may be able to tell you more about it! Dawn – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was wondering if anybody knows anything about imuran (azathioprine) and increased sensitivity to sunlight? My research on imuran has turned up nothing on this (not even listed as a possible or rare side effect), yet the pharmacist where I obtain my drugs always slaps a big ‘avoid excessive sunlight’ sticker on it.  I’ve felt pretty strange recently after as little as a couple of hours mild sun exposure – not sunburnt as such, but hot and feverish and very fatigued and awful.  I have olive skin and the sun is not usually a problem for me at all. Not sure what’s going on (and neither is my Dr).  I have Crohns and have been on imuran for about 10 months and prednisolone (small dose) too. Thanks.

Response:

yet the pharmacist where I obtain my drugs always slaps a big ‘avoid excessive sunlight’ sticker on i

Imuran, especially when combined with pred., can cause a higher than normal sensitivity to sunlight.  Not just for your eyes but for your skin as well. Just be careful.  I also take both meds and have to be careful about how long I am in the sun.  I live in Las Vegas, NV, so avoiding the sun is impossible.  I just have to keep myself aware of how long I am out and limit my time.  Hope this helps.   Margie

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was wondering if anybody knows anything about imuran (azathioprine) and increased sensitivity to sunlight? My research on imuran has turned up nothing on this (not even listed as a possible or rare side effect), yet the pharmacist where I obtain my drugs always slaps a big ‘avoid excessive sunlight’ sticker on it.  I’ve felt pretty strange recently after as little as a couple of hours mild sun exposure – not sunburnt as such, but hot and feverish and very fatigued and awful.  I have olive skin and the sun is not usually a problem for me at all. Not sure what’s going on (and neither is my Dr).  I have Crohns and have been on imuran for about 10 months and prednisolone (small dose) too. Thanks.

I’ve been on Imuran for about 18 months – haven’t heard anything about sensitivity to sunlight. I went on holiday for 2 weeks to Spain in August and didn’t have any problems……

Response:

I was wondering if anybody knows anything about imuran (azathioprine) and increased sensitivity to sunlight? My research on imuran has turned up nothing on this (not even listed as a possible or rare side effect), yet the pharmacist where I obtain my drugs always slaps a big ‘avoid excessive sunlight’ sticker on it.  I’ve felt pretty strange recently after as little as a couple of hours mild sun exposure – not sunburnt as such, but hot and feverish and very fatigued and awful.  I have olive skin and the sun is not usually a problem for me at all. Not sure what’s going on (and neither is my Dr).  I have Crohns and have been on imuran for about 10 months and prednisolone (small dose) too. Thanks.

Response:

I heard about prednisolon and increased sensitivity to sunlight, but not about imuran. Molnar

Response:

Prednisolone has known photosensitivity effects… could be that if you’ve been on it for a long time. Sam

: I was wondering if anybody knows anything about imuran (azathioprine) and : increased sensitivity to sunlight? My research on imuran has turned up : nothing on this (not even listed as a possible or rare side effect), yet the : pharmacist where I obtain my drugs always slaps a big ‘avoid excessive : sunlight’ sticker on it.  I’ve felt pretty strange recently after as little : as a couple of hours mild sun exposure – not sunburnt as such, but hot and : feverish and very fatigued and awful.  I have olive skin and the sun is not : usually a problem for me at all. Not sure what’s going on (and neither is my : Dr).  I have Crohns and have been on imuran for about 10 months and : prednisolone (small dose) too. : Thanks.

Response:

I was on Imuran for 15 years. the last time I was at my GI (3 weeks ago)  He told me that as a result of the Imuran I was now more likely to contract melanoma due to the Imuran increasing skin sensitivity to sunlight. He has advised me to spend only about 1/2 hour a day in direct sunlight and even then use SPF15+ sunscreen. Going to stuff up my fishing no end. David

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was wondering if anybody knows anything about imuran (azathioprine) and increased sensitivity to sunlight? My research on imuran has turned up nothing on this (not even listed as a possible or rare side effect), yet the pharmacist where I obtain my drugs always slaps a big ‘avoid excessive sunlight’ sticker on it.  I’ve felt pretty strange recently after as little as a couple of hours mild sun exposure – not sunburnt as such, but hot and feverish and very fatigued and awful.  I have olive skin and the sun is not usually a problem for me at all. Not sure what’s going on (and neither is my Dr).  I have Crohns and have been on imuran for about 10 months and prednisolone (small dose) too. Thanks.

Response:

Hi Jason, I think it has to do with its clearance via the liver.  I feel that way too out in the sun (and take imuran) but couldn’t find anything specifically on photosensitivity, but I think it could be because the liver is busy with the imuran and may not clear bilirubin as well, which is a bile pigment which keeps circulating in the blood.  Bilirubin is often the cause of photosensitivity in liver disease so maybe that’s it.  Hey, it’s just a guess, I guess. Roz

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