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blood monitoring when on 6mp

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 10/4/2010 12:26 AM (GMT 0)
When my GI prescribed 6MP for me back in Sept he said that it was important to check/monitor blood levels.  It has been a month and I still have not had my blood checked.  Was wondering how often do people get their blood checked when taking 6MP. 
Posted 10/4/2010 1:06 AM (GMT 0)
I got mine checked every 2 weeks for the first month, then once a month after that. I would have probably gotten to a point where I would be at once every few months by now but I've had elevated liver enzymes and now I have to take additional medication and have my blood checked every 2 weeks again for a while.
Posted 10/4/2010 1:09 AM (GMT 0)
did you have any symptoms that went with your elevated enzymes or was the only way you knew was through your blood test?

 

Posted 10/4/2010 1:45 AM (GMT 0)
You should call up your doc to be sure he hasn't forgotten about you. When I first started, I went in weekly for the blood tests for about a month, then every 2 weeks, then every month. Now I go in every 3 months now that I've been on it for 4 years. But definitely call your doc to get a lab slip.
Posted 10/4/2010 1:57 AM (GMT 0)

Sorry again to be copy cat poster but Red 34 is exactly how my experience with Imuran worked.  For the 1st month every 2 weeks, then I went to every 2 weeks, then after a month or two every month.  After a few months to every 3 months and I have stayed there.

My understanding is that this is the accepted protocol for using 6 MP or Imuran.

MyUC


Posted 10/4/2010 2:02 AM (GMT 0)
I think before you start you are supposed to get a baseline test. Is that not right?
Posted 10/4/2010 2:06 AM (GMT 0)

journey to health:

No, not always.  Some docs like to do pre-testing but most do not.  The Prometheus testing which so many people here talk about is not considered that popular among the docs at large.  They can test to see if you as a patient have a certain enzyme to break down the drug but most will just start with a low dose and see how the patient does.  I saw two different GI docs when I started Imuran and they just put me on it and said let's see how it goes, no kidding.  Luckily it worked out well.

MyUC

Posted 10/4/2010 2:19 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks I think I will call. When I last saw my GI (1 week ago) I had forgotten to ask him directly. My appt was probably one of the worst appts I have ever had. The office was having computer problems (could not connect to the internet) and throughout my appt he was on the phone with the IT department. He said his office was having a crisis. Not only did I have to pause in my discussions with my GI as he worked with the IT, it was very distracting. I did not feel that he was there for me - we were just going through the motions. After i left his office I asked the nurse whether I needed my blood checked. She went back and asked him and his response was - 'nah - she's as healthy as a horse!' The nurse had mentioned remicade but not 6MP. I don't think he was really into his patients at that moment. Had to share this as it really annoyed me - I think that either he should have waited to see his patients until he straightened things out with the IT department and computer system or have someone else do it while he conducted his appts. I feel like we went through the motions of an appt - but I really didn't benefit much. He also asked me why I didn't start backing down on the prednisone - I was surprised and said he hadn't told me to do so. So now I'm on a 3 week track to get off of prednisone. Was on 30 last week. 20 mg this week, 10 mg next, 5 the next and then off. Not sure if this is also a normal wheening off of prednisone - but I'll try. Thanks for letting me vent to!
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