Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
Powered By
Real members of MGteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MGteam Member asked a question 💭
Port St Lucie, FL
February 2
 · 
Be the first to react
A MGteam Member

I’m so sorry! I tried that stuff and will never again!! MG was better to deal with than that! I def could see it causing more frequent occurrences! I used to get cold sores/fever blisters since I was a baby (I guess like mouth herpes but I don’t ever get them anymore now, but def a viral thing, like shingles is caused by chicken pox virus) anyways as an adult I only would get them if I had a fever, or a bad cold…when I took azathioprine I was getting new sores every other day!! I remember my whole bottom lip and down my chin some!!! It was horrible! My fam dr basically told me my immune system just couldn’t keep the virus, that seemed to always be around here and there, under control! He recommended valtrex! (The med for the genital kind) to control the virus causing these ‘breakouts’….i quit taking the azathioprine, I literally can’t remember having a cold sore since then (like 10-15years ago!)it didn’t do anything for my MG symptoms either! I was hopeful but I wouldn’t wish that stuff on anyone! Having to get your liver function tested every month screams not worth it to me also! I remember when taking it I looked in the mirror and my skin looked greenish even. And it dont even start working for 6 months of taking it! Honey, unless u are literally always near a MG crisis without or your symptoms are extremely unpredictable, I would demand your dr try something different! I would bet my life that IS what is making the shingles worse or more frequent. Good luck!! Sorry so much to read! And if your dr is saying that poison isn’t what it is i would get a 2nd opinion and find a new Dr!! Doctors have no idea what they are doing with MG, usually, and also ask how many other MG patients they have treated in the past, just for perspective 🤔every time I ask that the answer is usually 0, and only 1 dr I saw said they treated 1 person with MG! I was diagnosed when I was 9, Im 41 now, I been through a lot of neurologists! The dr I see now I just started seeing him and he already wants a 2nd opinion and is referring me to optalmalogist/neurologist! Which I have seen before and got nowhere. My point is you know it’s the azathioprine, it’s your body not the doctors and doctors are only human they don’t always get it right.

February 4
MGteam

Do shingles occur more frequently if you're on azathioprine?

While the search results don't specifically mention shingles and azathioprine together, it's important to understand how this medication works.

Azathioprine is an immunosuppressant used to manage myasthenia gravis by reducing your immune system's activity. When your Show Full Answer

Do shingles occur more frequently if you're on azathioprine?

While the search results don't specifically mention shingles and azathioprine together, it's important to understand how this medication works.

Azathioprine is an immunosuppressant used to manage myasthenia gravis by reducing your immune system's activity. When your immune system is suppressed, you may be more vulnerable to infections in general, including viral infections like shingles.

The results do mention that azathioprine increases sun sensitivity and has been studied for potential skin cancer risk with prolonged use. However, specific information about shingles frequency isn't included in these sources.

What you should do:

This is definitely a question worth discussing with your MG specialist or neurologist. They can:

* Explain your specific risk based on your dosage and how long you've been taking azathioprine
* Discuss whether the shingles vaccine might be appropriate for you
* Help you recognize early signs of shingles so you can get treatment quickly if needed

If you notice any new skin symptoms like painful rashes or blisters, contact your healthcare provider right away for evaluation.

February 2

Related Questions

View All
A MGteam Member asked a question 💭
London, UK