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Considering Imuran

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 2/22/2010 3:55 AM (GMT 0)
I saw my GI last week and he is concerned that I am flaring again less than a year after my last one. When you consider that and the fact that I have had a form of this for 14 years, he says my risk is higher.

I don't want to take prednisone again.

I am taking the maximum dose of mezavant (4.8) and I am off all suppositories and enemas.

I have had more blood work done and provided stool samples. I go back to the doctor on Thursday to discuss next steps once he has seen the test results.

He suggested that the next step is Imuran. I started reading things on the internet and it scared me even though I have a good friend who is taking this medication for UC.

Anyone have any experience or info that they can share?
Posted 2/22/2010 4:07 AM (GMT 0)
Don't be scared! Then you'll just become hypersensitive to everything. I try to stay neutral. I get your concern though.

Anyways, I've been on it for a few years. I'm in remission and I don't have any side-effects. The cancer thing you might have seen is more for transplant patients who are on much higher doses. Wear your sunscreen. If you get nausea or fatigue, take it at night. Um... I think that's it! I really like it. Oh and make sure to get your bloodwork done. I'd try it.
Posted 2/22/2010 4:20 AM (GMT 0)
i took it for about 6 years or so, i had headaches and nausea the whole time.  I was taking phenogren all the time and also protonix to help with that.  It sort of kept me under control.  I was scared of the cancer thing too, my grandpa died of lymphoma (sp?) so that put me at a higher risk anyway.

I guess if it works for you really well then its worth it.  good luck!

Posted 2/22/2010 2:37 PM (GMT 0)
     I took it for about seven years.  When first placed on it, along with the prednisone, it took three months to "kick in".  After that I did enjoy a two year remission but then started to flare yearly and then more often.  The doctor checked my blood count monthly as this could affect your WBC.  I didn't have side effects until he increased my dose from 50 to 100 mgm.  Ugh...I felt horrible then..flu like symptoms and my white count plummeted to 1.6.  The doctor took me off the 6MP two weeks prior to my starting Remicade.  Still not doing too well.

     Oh and make sure once you get on the 6MP that you have your liver and pancreatic enzyme levels checked too.

Posted 2/22/2010 6:55 PM (GMT 0)
I started on Imuran in September, while starting to taper of 60mg's of Prednisone. My bloodwork revelaed some issues, so I have started taking Allipurnol to help reduce the uric acid in my blood, helping the Imuran be more effective.

Noew my problem is a common one, we have 2,3,4 meds all in play, it's hard to tell what is causing what - both good and bad effects.

I have not has blood or urgency since starting the Imuran, but I do have significant leg and foot pain, but I am hoping that is the Prednisone taper...
Posted 2/22/2010 7:57 PM (GMT 0)
Is the Imuran supposed to help with urgency and blood or pain, or all of it?
Posted 2/22/2010 11:28 PM (GMT 0)
Well I was on it for at least five years and it is not good on the body they say, but I had no issues with it. It really didn't help me and when I flare again I will not use it. It takes up to 6 mo. to start working. I was concerned when my wife got pregnant, but my little girl is perfect. I'd give it a shot.
Posted 2/22/2010 11:52 PM (GMT 0)
Yazzy, it's an immune suppressant so it doesn't actually do anything to the colon. So I think it works because the immune system is leaving your colon alone, so it can heal, etc.
Posted 2/23/2010 12:48 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you!

Your comments are really appreciated. I feel like I can give it a try and see if it is right for me now that I have heard from some people who have tried it. I know there are no guarantees.

I will be mindful of the dose and ask my doctor to start me on the lowest dose that might be effective.

I do plan to have the blood work done if I go ahead with this. That is part of the decision making. If I agree to take it, I am agreeing to have the testing done.

If anyone else has anything else to add to the discussion, please join in.
Posted 2/23/2010 1:23 AM (GMT 0)
Just keep in mind it takes a while to kick in, from a few weeks to a few months. Also the blood testing is really nothing. For me it's very fast and I have them use a butterfly needle. Good luck! I hope it works for you =)
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