Re: Drug Cocktail

[Guest guest]

john

i was diagnosed with uip june 06. i had read up on pred but decided

against it. i do however take aziathioprine and nac and believe both

have helped me.

there are loads of archive msgs on prenisolone as we discuss the pros

and cons all the time. in short it seems some of us believe that

pred doesn't help uip but can help nsip. i am only 49 so was not

happy with trying pred and even if it had helped it would have caused

all sorts of side effects. doesn't mean i wont take it in an

emergency situation or as i deteriorate.

i actually found out about NAC before diagnosis and had started

taking it. i had been spending a lot of time with a wet cough and

every morning spent a lot of time coughing up mucous. NAC i believe

cuts all this out for me, sweeping the mucous into my tummy. NAC is

very hard on the tummy and you need to take with food. not a little

bitty biscuit but something substantial and even then some people

find it too hard on their tummy.

aziathioprine takes away the 'inflamed' feeling. its hard to

describe what i mean but in short it lets me feel more normal and

move more.

the thing you haven't mentioned and is a vital part of the mix is

pulmonary rehab. this teaches you how to exercise to strength all

the muscles around your lungs and convinces you that your body can

still do stuff.

good luck with your decision - read the archives and have a look at

the database. some of us added our medications to it so people can

gleam info from it.

may uip 0606

scotland

>

> Hi fellow travelers!

>

> I have been following you online, and have only messaged once. I

> have learned what you all already know, i.e., the amount of support

> and space and helpful advise you give to each other is magnificent,

> not to mention the " lighter side " which makes some of " it " a whole

> lot more bearable. I have learned a great deal from yo already,

and

> I hope that as time goes on, I will be able to contribute more.

>

> I was recently diagnosed with IPF (June) and the biopsy in July

> confirmed UIP. I have been informed that no one knows what caused

> this thing, and no one knows how to treat it with any back-up

> research. One expert recommended that I begin a combination of

> medications

> [prodnisone + imuran(azathioprine)+ mucomyst(N-acetylcysteine)]

> aimed at slowing the progression. Another expert advised me not to,

> because it hasn't been scientifically proven to work and there can

> be some nasty side-effects.

>

> I have gone round-and-round on this (driving my family crazy)trying

> to make a decision. I have finally decided to give the cocktail a

> shot.

>

> Has anyone had experience with these meds? Blood and liver studies

> have already ordered, but does anyone have any suggestion on how or

> when to take them to minimize the uncomfortable side-effects? Any

> input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

> G. (63)IPF 6/08

>

> PS Vickie, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ... I choose not to take prednisone because of the side effects and the same with NAC... NAC gives me really bad stomach pain. I mean severe! I was on NAC when first dx (diagnosed) and don't remember a problem...it did help with mucus/coughing but I stopped for awhile and when I started again I really suffered with stomach pain and didn't know why. I stopped taking NAC one day when I was tired of taking sooooo many pills and right away noticed a decrease in pain. The pain is gone now and I personally won't take it again. We are all different and you will get many responses but you're still stuck with making your own decision for you, as you know.

I'm with the expert who says no as to not being proved out. It hasn't been as far as we here on the board know. There is no treatment and no cure for us at the time being. It's hell is we do and hell if we don't.

Good luck to you.

MamaSher, age 69. IPF 3-06, OR. NasturtiumsDon't fret about tomorrow, God is already there!

Drug Cocktail

Hi fellow travelers!I have been following you online, and have only messaged once. I have learned what you all already know, i.e., the amount of support and space and helpful advise you give to each other is magnificent, not to mention the "lighter side" which makes some of "it" a whole lot more bearable. I have learned a great deal from yo already, and I hope that as time goes on, I will be able to contribute more.I was recently diagnosed with IPF (June) and the biopsy in July confirmed UIP. I have been informed that no one knows what caused this thing, and no one knows how to treat it with any back-up research. One expert recommended that I begin a combination of medications [prodnisone + imuran(azathioprine)+ mucomyst(N-acetylcysteine)] aimed at slowing the progression. Another expert advised me not to, because it hasn't been scientifically proven to work and there can be some nasty side-effects.I have gone round-and-round on this (driving my family crazy)trying to make a decision. I have finally decided to give the cocktail a shot.Has anyone had experience with these meds? Blood and liver studies have already ordered, but does anyone have any suggestion on how or when to take them to minimize the uncomfortable side-effects? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. G. (63)IPF 6/08PS Vickie, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

[Guest guest]

Hi and welcome! My name is Beth and I have nsip and undifferentiated connective tissue disease. I've been on the high doses of steroids, both iv while in the hospital and oral, though I've never been on Immuran at all. I was diagnosed just over two years ago and have been stable since that time.

Since you've said you've already made up your mind I won't try to sway you in one direction or another. I would only say that you are doing what I honestly think I would do. Give it a try and see what happens.

When you mentioned NAC you specified Mucomyst so I'm assuming you will be using it in the nebulizer. Is this correct? It's used that way typically to break up mucous, loosen and thin so that you can get it up and out by coughing. I've heard some doctors say that this is the way NAC is most likely to have any effect on our lungs since you are putting it directly into the lung. This would also avoid the stomach upset it sometimes causes. (I stopped taking it after about 7 or 8 months as I was having alot of problems with reflux and my gastroenterologist told me not to take it) Be prepared for the way the stuff smells. UGH, it's awful but it is a very effective mucolytic, especially taken via nebulizer. It's possible that it can help slow the progression, though that's not proven through study as yet.

My advice for anyone taking high doses of prednisone would be, listen to your body. Get lots of rest, eat well be prepared for an increase in appetite. Have low calorie, low fat snacks around. Watch your blood sugar. High doses of prednisone very often destablizes your blood sugar. (I needed insulin almost every day) Ask your doctor to give you something to protect your bone density. I took Boniva. You may need something to protect your stomach. I was on Nexium and Carafate. Also be prepared for the possibilty of mood swings. I had to take Zoloft most of the time I was on the prednisone and for several months afterwards. I'm off of it now but definitely needed it then.

I'll probably think of more but that's it for the moment. I'm glad you've joined us. This is a great group and I hope you find the support and friendship here that I have!

Beth

Age 48 Fibrotic NSIP 06/06 UCTD 07/08

Change everything. Love and Forgive

Drug Cocktail

Hi fellow travelers!I have been following you online, and have only messaged once. I have learned what you all already know, i.e., the amount of support and space and helpful advise you give to each other is magnificent, not to mention the "lighter side" which makes some of "it" a whole lot more bearable. I have learned a great deal from yo already, and I hope that as time goes on, I will be able to contribute more.I was recently diagnosed with IPF (June) and the biopsy in July confirmed UIP. I have been informed that no one knows what caused this thing, and no one knows how to treat it with any back-up research. One expert recommended that I begin a combination of medications [prodnisone + imuran(azathioprine )+ mucomyst(N-acetylcy steine)] aimed at slowing the progression. Another expert advised me not to, because it hasn't been scientifically proven to work and there can be some

nasty side-effects.I have gone round-and-round on this (driving my family crazy)trying to make a decision. I have finally decided to give the cocktail a shot.Has anyone had experience with these meds? Blood and liver studies have already ordered, but does anyone have any suggestion on how or when to take them to minimize the uncomfortable side-effects? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. G. (63)IPF 6/08PS Vickie, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

[Guest guest]

. I'm one of several who are on or

have been on the "cocktail"

Read the data bases a linked at the bottom of the posts.

Our side effects are listed.

They have worked for me..but I have NSIP which is known to respond

favorably

at times to this combination ( I do not take the NAC).

Many others will repond to your question..keep reading. It's really up

to you.

Get educated and then talk to the docs...it's your body.

I said "yes" 3 years ago and have been " in the STABLE" since then.

But many have not been as fortunate. We all are so very different as is

our disease.

Good Luck.

Z fibriotic NSIP/05

Z 64,

fibriotic NSIP/o5/PA

And “mild”

PH/10/07 and Reynaud’s too!!

No, NSIP was not

self-inflicted…I never smoked!

Potter,

reader,carousel lover and MomMom to

Darah

and Sara

“I’m gonna

be iron like a lion in Zion” Bob Marley

Vinca

Minor-periwinkle is my flower

Gordon wrote:

Hi fellow travelers!

I have been following you online, and have only messaged once. I

have learned what you all already know, i.e., the amount of support

and space and helpful advise you give to each other is magnificent,

not to mention the "lighter side" which makes some of "it" a whole

lot more bearable. I have learned a great deal from yo already, and

I hope that as time goes on, I will be able to contribute more.

I was recently diagnosed with IPF (June) and the biopsy in July

confirmed UIP. I have been informed that no one knows what caused

this thing, and no one knows how to treat it with any back-up

research. One expert recommended that I begin a combination of

medications

[prodnisone + imuran(azathioprine)+ mucomyst(N-acetylcysteine)]

aimed at slowing the progression. Another expert advised me not to,

because it hasn't been scientifically proven to work and there can

be some nasty side-effects.

I have gone round-and-round on this (driving my family crazy)trying

to make a decision. I have finally decided to give the cocktail a

shot.

Has anyone had experience with these meds? Blood and liver studies

have already ordered, but does anyone have any suggestion on how or

when to take them to minimize the uncomfortable side-effects? Any

input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

G. (63)IPF 6/08

PS Vickie, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

No virus found in this incoming message.

Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com

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[Guest guest]

Sorry you had a need to find the group but welcome. I have been on the cocktail you was given for over a year and have had very little side effects. I take 10 mg predisone primarily for appetite stimulant since I was losing so much weigh and never hungry. I take 150 mg imuran daily and have had no side effects from this. I take the imuran in the morning with breakfast (never without some food) and also one NAC tablet which is to help counteract the effects of imuran on the liver. I get monthly blood tests to monitor it an be certain all well. I take the predisone in the morning also, again with a little food. The NAC I take three times a day; morning, noon and night one tablet 600mg and always with some food. This tablet has caused some burning in the throat and stomach if not washed down well and therefore the extra food to get it down in the stomach.

I have had no problems with these meds since I began taking them. I do not have anyother meds that I take other than Xanax which is a recent addition to deal with anxiety. I hope they work for you as well as for me. Do they do any good, cannot answer that since I am increasing my O2 flow and finding it more difficult to do things I use to handle with no problem. Truth is "They Do Not Know" so it becomes your call. Hope this helps answer your question. As you might guess, there is not yes or no answer. Working with the group here and your situation and doctors will be the best way to decide how to treat yourself. We are here to give you our experience and findings.

Fay

IPF 06/06 IL

Drug Cocktail

Hi fellow travelers!I have been following you online, and have only messaged once. I have learned what you all already know, i.e., the amount of support and space and helpful advise you give to each other is magnificent, not to mention the "lighter side" which makes some of "it" a whole lot more bearable. I have learned a great deal from yo already, and I hope that as time goes on, I will be able to contribute more.I was recently diagnosed with IPF (June) and the biopsy in July confirmed UIP. I have been informed that no one knows what caused this thing, and no one knows how to treat it with any back-up research. One expert recommended that I begin a combination of medications [prodnisone + imuran(azathioprine )+ mucomyst(N-acetylcy steine)] aimed at slowing the progression. Another expert advised me not to, because it hasn't been scientifically proven to work and there can be some

nasty side-effects.I have gone round-and-round on this (driving my family crazy)trying to make a decision. I have finally decided to give the cocktail a shot.Has anyone had experience with these meds? Blood and liver studies have already ordered, but does anyone have any suggestion on how or when to take them to minimize the uncomfortable side-effects? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. G. (63)IPF 6/08PS Vickie, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

[Guest guest]

Welcome. Unfortunately our advice will be just as confusing. Some here

have taken the drugs you mention and credit them with saving their

lives. Others have taken them and credit them with horrible effects on

their lives. Others have chosen not to take them.

Now the conventional medical wisdom seems to think they are more likely

to be effective for forms of PF such as NSIP than UIP, but, understand

conventional wisdom isn't much in this area. Many doctors prescribe for

UIP. The other issue is whether there is also some autoimmune involved

in which case the likelihood of them helping seems higher. You just

need to search here and read and educate yourself about possibilities

and the side effects. Then decide on your personal choice which weighs

your willingness to risk the side effects for the possibility.

As to this combination not being medically proven, thats valid but not

convincing by itself. It hasn't been disproven either as the first trial

is actually underway now. Imuran and Prednisone are used for many things

for which anecdotally there is evidence but none through clinical

trials.

Other things certainly enter into any personal decision such as age,

otherwise your health, family situation, and your tolerance for various

things.

Good luck in deciding. Don't take any one person's advice just listen to

their stories, good and bad.

>

> Hi fellow travelers!

>

> I have been following you online, and have only messaged once. I

> have learned what you all already know, i.e., the amount of support

> and space and helpful advise you give to each other is magnificent,

> not to mention the " lighter side " which makes some of " it " a whole

> lot more bearable. I have learned a great deal from yo already, and

> I hope that as time goes on, I will be able to contribute more.

>

> I was recently diagnosed with IPF (June) and the biopsy in July

> confirmed UIP. I have been informed that no one knows what caused

> this thing, and no one knows how to treat it with any back-up

> research. One expert recommended that I begin a combination of

> medications

> [prodnisone + imuran(azathioprine)+ mucomyst(N-acetylcysteine)]

> aimed at slowing the progression. Another expert advised me not to,

> because it hasn't been scientifically proven to work and there can

> be some nasty side-effects.

>

> I have gone round-and-round on this (driving my family crazy)trying

> to make a decision. I have finally decided to give the cocktail a

> shot.

>

> Has anyone had experience with these meds? Blood and liver studies

> have already ordered, but does anyone have any suggestion on how or

> when to take them to minimize the uncomfortable side-effects? Any

> input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

> G. (63)IPF 6/08

>

> PS Vickie, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

>

[Guest guest]

May points out an option most doctors don't offer but mine has discussed

with me. While prednisone is difficult to withdraw from and the side

effects stay, Imuran can be monitored and easily withdrawn from if you

experience side effects. The most common problem is liver and if the

liver enzymes rise, they generally return to where they were if you

withdraw soon enough after the rise.

> >

> > Hi fellow travelers!

> >

> > I have been following you online, and have only messaged once. I

> > have learned what you all already know, i.e., the amount of support

> > and space and helpful advise you give to each other is magnificent,

> > not to mention the " lighter side " which makes some of " it " a whole

> > lot more bearable. I have learned a great deal from yo already,

> and

> > I hope that as time goes on, I will be able to contribute more.

> >

> > I was recently diagnosed with IPF (June) and the biopsy in July

> > confirmed UIP. I have been informed that no one knows what caused

> > this thing, and no one knows how to treat it with any back-up

> > research. One expert recommended that I begin a combination of

> > medications

> > [prodnisone + imuran(azathioprine)+ mucomyst(N-acetylcysteine)]

> > aimed at slowing the progression. Another expert advised me not to,

> > because it hasn't been scientifically proven to work and there can

> > be some nasty side-effects.

> >

> > I have gone round-and-round on this (driving my family crazy)trying

> > to make a decision. I have finally decided to give the cocktail a

> > shot.

> >

> > Has anyone had experience with these meds? Blood and liver studies

> > have already ordered, but does anyone have any suggestion on how or

> > when to take them to minimize the uncomfortable side-effects? Any

> > input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

> > G. (63)IPF 6/08

> >

> > PS Vickie, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi , I will probably catch a bunch of flack for this but "DON'T DO IT" LOL  I am so sorry but I had such horrible side effects that every time someone says they are thinking of it I want to scream. I have IPF / UIP.I was on 60 mg and gained 70 pounds in 8 weeks. Shook like a leaf. cried like a baby. My skin would just rip if I bumped into anything. Mood changes made me and my family nuts. NO sleep. Anxiety (now take wellbrutrin) My bones and joints ached constantly.  I have had cataracts removed from both eyes. That began in early 2005, now mid 2008, I am still a little fatty. Must say I am happy but still can't wear my clothes. I feel like prednisone stole two years of my life. This disease is hard enough on our bodies to try something that does not help IPF/UIP.  It has helped those with other forms of Fibrosis. It also is the Bestdrug for infections. The worst on our bodies.  Some are on a low maintenance dose and do fine..Remember this is MY reaction but many have had the same. God Bless You. Love and Prayers, Peggy   IPF  2004,  Florida"Worry looks around, Sorry looks back,  Faith looks up."

[Guest guest]

Oh , I forgot to add, Don't be shy. I am so sorry you have the need of us. You are not alone and we have all been through ALL the feelings, fear, sadness, grieving.Just empty us here on the board. We're here to support you. Love and Prayers, Peggy   IPF  2004,  Florida"Worry looks around, Sorry looks back,  Faith looks up."

[Guest guest]

Peggy

Sending a Flack to Peggy's house. Is that what you meant by a

bunch of flack? lol.

He needs to hear stories like yours. I'd recommend a search back to read

more stories. They will range from horror to life saving and everything

in between. I'm not using but my situation is quite different from most

others and so my reasoning is unique.

>

> Hi , I will probably catch a bunch of flack for this but " DON'T

> DO IT " LOL I am so sorry but I had such horrible side effects that

> every time someone says they are thinking of it I want to scream. I

> have IPF / UIP.

> I was on 60 mg and gained 70 pounds in 8 weeks. Shook like a leaf.

> cried like a baby. My skin would just rip if I bumped into anything.

> Mood changes made me and my family nuts. NO sleep. Anxiety (now take

> wellbrutrin) My bones and joints ached constantly. I have had

> cataracts removed from both eyes.

> That began in early 2005, now mid 2008, I am still a little fatty.

> Must say I am happy but still can't wear my clothes. I feel like

> prednisone stole two years of my life. This disease is hard enough on

> our bodies to try

> something that does not help IPF/UIP.

>

> It has helped those with other forms of Fibrosis. It also is the Best

> drug for infections. The worst on our bodies. Some are on a low

> maintenance dose and do fine..

>

> Remember this is MY reaction but many have had the same.

>

> God Bless You.

>

>

>

> 

>

>

> Love and Prayers, Peggy

> IPF 2004, Florida

>

> " Worry looks around,

> Sorry looks back,

> Faith looks up. "

>

[Guest guest]

, I have found that benzonatate, also known as tessalon perle, has had great effect on controling my coughing. And it's inexpensive Jack79/IPF - UIP/dx06/05 Maine

Drug Cocktail

Hi fellow travelers!I have been following you online, and have only messaged once. I have learned what you all already know, i.e., the amount of support and space and helpful advise you give to each other is magnificent, not to mention the "lighter side" which makes some of "it" a whole lot more bearable. I have learned a great deal from yo already, and I hope that as time goes on, I will be able to contribute more.I was recently diagnosed with IPF (June) and the biopsy in July confirmed UIP. I have been informed that no one knows what caused this thing, and no one knows how to treat it with any back-up research. One expert recommended that I begin a combination of medications [prodnisone + imuran(azathioprine )+ mucomyst(N-acetylcy steine)] aimed at slowing the progression. Another expert advised me not to, because it hasn't been scientifically proven to work and there can be some

nasty side-effects.I have gone round-and-round on this (driving my family crazy)trying to make a decision. I have finally decided to give the cocktail a shot.Has anyone had experience with these meds? Blood and liver studies have already ordered, but does anyone have any suggestion on how or when to take them to minimize the uncomfortable side-effects? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. G. (63)IPF 6/08PS Vickie, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

[Guest guest]

I was diagnosed with IPF in Sept 07, confirmed via VATS the day after

Christmas…it was an interesting Christmas vacation!!!! Anyway, I have

been on the “cocktail” for about 2 months now. I am on 200 mg of

Imuran once per day and 300 mg of Acetylsysteine (compounded) twice per day. I

was put on this after being weaned down to 10 mg of Prednisone once a day –

I have since been brought down to 4 mg per day, on the way to being off totally

to prep for transplant. I guess I am one of the lucky ones as I have not seen

any side effects of any of them. In fact, I have been able to lose weight

while on the Prednisone – a good thing since I need to before

transplant. I was having blood work every two weeks for liver function, that

has now been down to once every 4 weeks.

Steve aka…Knip IPF Sep07, confirmed via VATS Dec07

57 NH

[Guest guest]

Hey ............I've read the responses you've received so far, and like Bruce says, must be confusing. The bottom line is what you've already decided....to try it. I took imuran for almost 2 years, then the doc stopped it. Don't know as it did anything. I'm down to 5mg of prednisone. It's a real battle getting off the stuff for me. I've had some side effects but nothing I couldn't handle. The mood stuff took some adjustment. Regarding the NAC. I'd been taking the liquid for over a year before I even found out that some take it as a pill. My doc told me to drink 3ml of the stuff 3 times a day. There's no way my throat was going to allow that foul smelling crap to pass through. When I talked to a pharmacist he told me to mix it with a bit (maybe 2 tblsp) of cola, any kind of cola and Bingo, works like a charm. I've been on it for

about 2 years and it really works for me. When I don't have it I definitely notice a buildup of mucus. I've tried nebulizing the stuff, didn't work for me. Still foul smelling and tasting.

So, does any of this stuff work. All I know is that I'm still alive and have had no progression of the scarring for over a year. Besides the fact that we are all so different, there are bushels of variables to consider........hope it works for you.

jim IPF 05

alaska

Subject: Drug CocktailTo: Breathe-Support Date: Saturday, July 19, 2008, 11:13 AM

Hi fellow travelers!I have been following you online, and have only messaged once. I have learned what you all already know, i.e., the amount of support and space and helpful advise you give to each other is magnificent, not to mention the "lighter side" which makes some of "it" a whole lot more bearable. I have learned a great deal from yo already, and I hope that as time goes on, I will be able to contribute more.I was recently diagnosed with IPF (June) and the biopsy in July confirmed UIP. I have been informed that no one knows what caused this thing, and no one knows how to treat it with any back-up research. One expert recommended that I begin a combination of medications [prodnisone + imuran(azathioprine )+ mucomyst(N-acetylcy steine)] aimed at slowing the progression. Another expert advised me not to, because it hasn't been scientifically proven to work and there can be some

nasty side-effects.I have gone round-and-round on this (driving my family crazy)trying to make a decision. I have finally decided to give the cocktail a shot.Has anyone had experience with these meds? Blood and liver studies have already ordered, but does anyone have any suggestion on how or when to take them to minimize the uncomfortable side-effects? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. G. (63)IPF 6/08PS Vickie, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I am the same as you, diagnosed with UIP by bx in January of this year. I have been on prednisone 30 mg, now down to 5 mg, and Imuran 100 mg now up to 150 mg and the only difference I can tell so far is that I have gained 20 pounds, I stay swollen and bloated, and am really moody and fatigued all the time. I have even started taking naps during the day, which I have never done in my entire life and I am only 47 now. On a good note, I can say that I don't cough nearly as much as before but that is about the only good note I have. I won't find out until next month how much I have progressed since December, so can't really tell you if there has been any change as far as disease progression or not with the meds, but I will be able to tell you next month when I find out. I was told by several pulmos and 2 PF specialists that there is no medication to treat the disease, but prednisnoe and Imuran are the only ones they know

to use to try and slow down the progression. I would say give it a shot, as we really don't have much other choice, but I wish I could tell you about the slowing down the progression part, but as of now, I don't know yet. I hope this helped somewhat. I am here if I can help.

CaroASTHMA 1976,OSTEOARTHRITIS 2002, COPD 02/06, IPF 08/07, UIP 01/08, RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS 03/08Mississippi

From: Gordon <johnegordon@ comcast.net>Subject: Drug CocktailTo: Breathe-Support@ yahoogroups. comDate: Saturday, July 19, 2008, 11:13 AM

Hi fellow travelers!I have been following you online, and have only messaged once. I have learned what you all already know, i.e., the amount of support and space and helpful advise you give to each other is magnificent, not to mention the "lighter side" which makes some of "it" a whole lot more bearable. I have learned a great deal from yo already, and I hope that as time goes on, I will be able to contribute more.I was recently diagnosed with IPF (June) and the biopsy in July confirmed UIP. I have been informed that no one knows what caused this thing, and no one knows how to treat it with any back-up research. One expert recommended that I begin a combination of medications [prodnisone + imuran(azathioprine )+ mucomyst(N-acetylcy steine)] aimed at slowing the progression. Another expert advised me not to, because it hasn't been scientifically proven to work and there can be some

nasty side-effects.I have gone round-and-round on this (driving my family crazy)trying to make a decision. I have finally decided to give the cocktail a shot.Has anyone had experience with these meds? Blood and liver studies have already ordered, but does anyone have any suggestion on how or when to take them to minimize the uncomfortable side-effects? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. G. (63)IPF 6/08PS Vickie, my thoughts and prayers are with you.