When to quit Imuran...

camjames

Regular Member

Joined : May 2006

Posts : 229

Posted 4/16/2008 12:58 AM (GMT 0)

So I've started Imuran about 1.5 to 2 months ago now and I have been sick ever since I started it. I was just on entocort 9mg daily and occasional pentasa, and that set of drugs was going very well. I remember telling the GI doc that if I kept feeling this good for the rest of my life I would be content. But now after starting Imuran, it seems everyday is a battle with occasional nausea, and this almost constant warm, acidic yucky feeling in my stomach...I dont even know how to describe it cause it doesn't feel like heartburn cause it feels lower down. Overall, I can't seem to function normally anymore...Should I tell my GI that im going to stop taking Imuran for a week or so and see how I feel? I called him a month ago and he seemed rather adamant that I kept going for awhile on the Imuran, but I feel things aren't getting any better...any advice, or similar stories?? ...and yes I am taking the Imuran at night...150mg/day

Ides

Forum Moderator

Joined : Nov 2003

Posts : 7204

Posted 4/16/2008 4:19 AM (GMT 0)

Imuran is known for causing stomach upset. Some people just cannot get past the yucky nausea feeling. Two things you could possibly bring up to your GI: 1) reducing the dosage and seeing if that helps reduce the symptoms you are having; 2)switching to 6MP. Some people that have trouble tolerating Imuran do very well on 6MP. Imuran is metabolized in the body into the mercaptopurine which is what 6 MP is.

camjames

Regular Member

Joined : May 2006

Posts : 229

Posted 4/16/2008 5:08 AM (GMT 0)

Yeah, thanks Ides...I should probably give my GI a call about lowering the dose of Imuran, to tie me over til the next visit

BELLA40

Regular Member

Joined : Jan 2007

Posts : 22

Posted 4/18/2008 12:44 PM (GMT 0)

I was having the same problem with nausea on the imuran. I take 100mg a day. I found taking half the dose when I wake up, then the other half 6 hours later works great for me. No more stomach upset. Try this and see if it will help you.

broomhilda

Veteran Member

Joined : May 2007

Posts : 1495

Posted 4/19/2008 2:29 AM (GMT 0)

Give the Imuran a little more time...maybe you could take Bella's suggestion. It took about 4 months for mine to kick in good. Pentasa didn't help me a bit and actually made me sicker.

pb4

Elite Member

Joined : Feb 2004

Posts : 20577

Posted 4/19/2008 4:00 AM (GMT 0)

You should always discuss these things with your doc before you do anything on your own, they tend to get pissy if you just up and quit taking meds they prescribe to you, as with some meds it can be dangerous to do so.

:)

teddybearweiser

Veteran Member

Joined : Oct 2004

Posts : 3042

Posted 4/19/2008 10:54 AM (GMT 0)

Hi I have been on Imuran for almost 5 years and have no-side effects from the drug. Don't take on an empty stomach. Make sure you eat before taking the Imuran.

Crohn'snme

Veteran Member

Joined : Feb 2007

Posts : 736

Posted 4/20/2008 12:22 AM (GMT 0)

I was on Imuran and getting ready to go on vacation. I went to the ER because I was so sick and nauseated, just felt generally terrible. Elevated liver. They took me off and slowly I got better. I would never take it again, ever!!!!!

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