6MP for a teen

MyTeen,

I've been exactly in your shoes. Had to make the decision to put "my teen", on Imuran. (Same as 6MP), after reading such terrible possible side effects etc.

What I can tell you  is, the continued use of Prednisone is much worse. Also, the side effects to any Immunosuppressant, are more associated with the extremely large dosages taken for things like organ transplant, not Crohns or Colitis. 

That's not to say that there isn't possible negatives of course, but these drugs have been used for decades now successfully. 

Your son wil of course have monthly blood tests to see if there are any negative effects from the 6mp. 

Good luck with your decision. The only other advise I can give you is, have a GI that you have confidence and trust in. 

MyTeen:

So sorry to hear that your son has gone through so much. My 17 year old son was diagnosed with crohn's just about a year ago. In February he started 6mp (75mg). Since then he had done very well gained weight and has really no side effects. He takes it at night about 45 mins before he goes to bed. The dosage was raised in July he alternates every other day between 75mg and 100mg as he was not in the therapeutic range at just the 75mg. He was doing so good until he got a C-Diff infection recently.

I would say that my son has done good on 6mp. Like 73monte said that with the dose for crohn's and UC the risk for negative side effect is less than those taking a higher dose. I still worry about giving it to him everyday and hope I am helping him make the right treatment decision. I also know that his disease needs to be treated and that with the 6mp he can get some sort of a normal life. Keeping up with the blood work is very important.

Wishing you and your son the very best of luck with whatever decision you make. I know exactly how you are feeling and the confusion that you are going through it is so much to deal with.