NeuroTalk Support Groups - Azathioprine Induced Pancreatitis?

Hello,

I'm newly diagnosed (after a M Crisis and two weeks in the ICU). I've been on Azathioprine (and Prednisone, Pyridostigmine) for about four weeks now. Last night, I had breathing problems again and went back to the ED and the attending pulled a Lipase which was close to 2000. Dr Google suggested that this may be a result of taking Azathioprine which causes Pancreatitis.

Does this sound familiar to anyone here? Any of my cohorts here have issues with Azathioprine and Lipase? If so, what did they move you to for long term therapy?

One more questions for you old timers. I live in a retirement center which is giant petri dish of bugs and am concerned about taking these immunosuppressants in this environment. I've read here that some take IVIG (which I took for the M Crisis). Does it make sense for us to take IVIG on a regular basis instead of the high doses of Prednisone? Thoughts?

Thanks.