Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by SandyA on January 29, 2018 at 11:58pm

My husband and I know all about Cellcept....but not for FFA. My husband takes this stuff for his autoimmune disease (polymyositis) therefore he and I know first hand the side effects. He experiences insomnia, irritability, diminished libido, stomach and digestive problems (it is advised to take it on an empty stomach for highest effectiveness so it can do a number on it). He does take a very high dose, however...3000mg per day and I can't imagine this amount would be prescribed for FFA. He also has no other choice because no other drug was working as effectively and the effects of his disease left undertreated are extreme (muscle wasting, respiratory problems/failure etc) so the benefits far exceed the side effects in his case.

Permalink Reply by KarenD on January 31, 2018 at 6:28pm

Thanks SandyA, 

Yes I am on a much lower dose, 500mg a day.  I am sure that makes a difference with overall side effects.   Wishing your husband the best with his autoimmune disease!

Permalink Reply by Lara79 on February 4, 2018 at 5:55am

I took azathioprine (a different immunosuppressant) for 6 months and Still had flares and progressive loss so stopped. Now on finasteride and acitretin and put Elidel on at night and rogaine on in the morning. My scalp feels better than it has in a long time but it’s early days as only been on acitretin for 4 weeks and finasteride for 4/5 months. I have tried everything so will stick on this for the next year and see if this combo works. The studies for these two drugs seem hopeful but small numbers!