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Questions regarding Imuran

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 6/5/2009 12:01 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, first time poster here! I'm a 19 year old girl who was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis when I was 16. I have been in my current flare since last April, so I'm going into my 14th month. During this time I have been on and off of Prednisone, while also taking Asacol. I also took Remicade for four months, until my allergic reactions became so severe that it wasn't worth the effort.

I have been on Humira for four months, and am currently tapering off of Prednisone. So far, the Humira seems to be working the best, though I wouldn't say I am completely in remission. I have also started seeing a naturopath, and now I am taking various supplements.

I saw my doctor today and he was suggesting that we look into Imuran, as I seem to have problems coming off Prednisone. I'm not really familiar with Imuran, nor do I know any IBD patients in person who have taken Imuran, and I was wondering if some of you could share your experiences with it. The most I know about it is that it can take around 6 months to kick in and comes with a slew of side effects, including nausea and vomiting (which I have a fear of).

Any input would be greatly appreciated!
Posted 6/5/2009 2:23 AM (GMT 0)
I have never had any negative side effects from Imuran and I think it helped me stay in remission for several years. (Although in the past few years it appears to not work as well, but that happens with drugs sometimes). I was told 3 months to kick in. Also you will need to get monthly blood tests done to watch your counts. I encourage you to try it if your doctor recommends it, I think it has helped a lot of people! Good luck!
Posted 6/6/2009 10:25 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your reply. My doctor mentioned the frequent blood tests, which I'm totally used to. :P I suppose that I am willing to try anything if it would only put me into remission.
Posted 6/7/2009 5:03 AM (GMT 0)
No side affects, and no positive affects either, lol. Used a year, and took myself off of it.
Posted 6/7/2009 11:50 AM (GMT 0)
Same here. No side-effects, and no benefit, so stopped after taking it for over a year. However, it has worked very well for some, and could be worth a try.
Posted 6/11/2009 9:44 AM (GMT 0)

Hi.

I found it great.  It took  nearly 5 months to kick in but I have been very well for over 3 years now so much so that I have made some major advancements in my work and career.

Side effects for me : Brain Block - not serious but sometimes ordinary words get stuck and I occasionally lose my train of thought - also recently my bloods have shown low platelet count (but I think this is very individual).  No other side effects of note although at the begining you feel a bit funny but passes after a few weeks - feeling of being kind of aware of your body.

BTW: while I was waiting for the immuran to kick in I was on Asacol and steroid enemas.

Good luck

Posted 6/11/2009 3:01 PM (GMT 0)
I've been taking Imuran for 7/8 months now, but am thinking about coming off it. I had a fairly bad experience for the first couple of weeks - it felt like having a virus and I could barely get out of bed. But after that it has been fine, except that I am ill constantly - no idea whether that is caused by the immuno-suppression. I would say it is worth trying if you have no other options, but it does increase your risks of various cancers and isn't ideal to take if/when you want to try for a baby (which is why I am planning on stopping).
Posted 6/11/2009 7:51 PM (GMT 0)

I didn't see any immediate improvement and after a month or so my livers started to get worse so my doctor took me off.  It also made me feel miserable the first day or so I was on it and then towards the end I started to feel worse and worse each day, a day after I was taken off it I felt 110% better.   


Posted 6/11/2009 9:47 PM (GMT 0)

I've been on Azathioprine (UK equivalent to Imuran I think) for just over 5 weeks, I have no idea if its gonna work yet as I also was told 3 months. I really struggled with it for the first few weeks...I felt (and still do feel) very 'spaced out' and not with it. I also struggled quite a lot with the nausea, however my GP prescribed me some anti sickness tablets which have helped and they've also contributed to me feeling incredibly tired. I'm still struggling with the side effects but they have lessened the longer I've been taking it.

I'd rather at least give it a go and if even after 3 months it hasn't worked - at least I'll know I gave it a go!

Posted 6/12/2009 7:16 PM (GMT 0)
Hi folks, I'm new to this forum but thought I'd chip in.

I was prescribed azathioprine in January this year. I initally felt quite nauseous after taking the tablets, however some anti-sickness tablets that my GP prescribed me really helped. I also felt quite tired as well. However, after short while, I ceased to feel this way.

This week my GI increased my dose and thus far, I have experienced no side-effects.

I guess over time I will see how effective it proves to be for me.

Best Wishes,
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