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Imuran/cold sores on lips

Sun, October 26, 2008 12:00 AM

I am taking 150mg of generic Imuran (azathioprine) per day and have noticed I keep getting cold sores on my bottom lip. Does anyone else have this problem? Could it be because Imuran is an immune system suppressant which makes one more susceptible to virus problems?

katiepaw
Joined Sep 12, 2008

Mon, November 10, 2008 1:00 AM

Reply posted for katiepaw.

Have you tried yogurt in your diet ? It might help adjust the bacteria that may be provoking the cold sores.

cathleen
Joined Nov 10, 2008

Thu, November 06, 2008 2:17 PM

Reply posted for katiepaw.

Katie,

The sores in your mouth could be a symptom of your immune system being weak. When I started Remicade after having been on 6MP, my immune system crashed and I had all sorts of sores in my mouth. Biopsies determined they were caused by a virus that had been held in check by my immune system but flared when my immune system was compromised.

I would check with your doctor to see if a CBC might make sense.

Good luck,

Mike

mtmcdaid
Joined Nov 4, 2008

Sun, November 02, 2008 12:00 AM

Reply posted for Becky002.

You're right, they're not cold sores because they come and go. Now today, my lips are ok, who knows what tomorrow will bring. Thanks for the input, I bet I have allergy problems also... it will just take some time to figure out what I am allergic to. Thanks again :)

katiepaw
Joined Sep 12, 2008

Sun, November 02, 2008 12:00 AM

Reply posted for katiepaw.

I was in the same boat as you, constant cold sores on my lips and no one seemed to be able to help me. Every kind of chap stick just seemed to make it worse. My lips were so swollen and red, they hurt all the time. It got to the point where I could not even close my lips because I had so many cold sores on my lips. After doing hours and hours of research, I figured out that it was not cold sores that I had, but was actually an allergic reaction happening on my lips. Because of the medications I have been on over the years (take your pick steriods, Imuran, Asacol, Remicade, Humira etc...) I now have allergies. My lips are affected the most, almost anything will make them break out in cold sore like blisters. After many months of trial and error (painful trial and error) I have found 1 (and only 1) chapstick that I can use on my lips. Blistex Gentle Sense. If I eat something that my lips do not like, I have to use a little Orajel for cold sores to numb my lips till the pain goes away. Good luck.

becky002
Joined Nov 2, 2008

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