Given that my mother has severe, advanced kidney inflammation, and we have been offered a choice between a milder immune-system-weakening drug called Azoran (100mg daily) or a stronger one called Endoxan, which of these two medication options is better for her condition, and is the blood-filtering treatment (plasma exchange) still worth trying at this late stage?
For severe, active kidney inflammation, a stronger medication like cyclophosphamide (Endoxan) is generally preferred initially to quickly halt the damage, while azathioprine (Azoran) is typically used later to maintain recovery. Regarding plasma exchange, even at an advanced stage, it can still be very valuable. It works quickly to filter out harmful proteins causing the inflammation, potentially saving remaining kidney function. I highly recommend discussing these options closely with her nephrologist to tailor the best immediate plan for her.