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imuran - what is your experience?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 11/25/2011 6:03 AM (GMT 0)
i feel so frustrated for having to take this imuran. it is so bad for you and they still prescribe it - but all other options(6mp, humira)have the same side effects...

can you please share your thoughts...


    sulfasalazine8x500mg
    imuran(2+1)x50mg
Posted 11/25/2011 8:06 AM (GMT 0)
i know what you mean, as i feel the exact same way. was the sulfasalazine not doing the job on its own? have you tried rectal medications before trying imuran? i held off and avoided imuran for a long time until i had exhausted all my other options and they were no longer working for me. it is hard to take a medication that you know is not so great for you, but i guess you have to weigh the pros and cons. i hope this helps. you are not alone.
Posted 11/25/2011 2:48 PM (GMT 0)
hi svetla,Imuran help put me in remission, tho the last 6weeks ive been feeling bad with beening bloated,feeling sick and weak, my doc thinks its IBS, im not to sure,i dont see my GI ontill the 19th dec, im beening tested for tummy bug etc,tho if it works out to be side affacts from imuran, i just may stop it.when did you start it?and what has you feeling bad? thanks
Posted 11/25/2011 2:56 PM (GMT 0)
Unfortunately, I can't take imuran/6mp because I developed pancreatitis from it. I believe that side effect is rare and many people have taken it with no problem. For some, it has been able to put them in remission for a long time.
Posted 11/25/2011 3:18 PM (GMT 0)
Imuran has been fine for me, 8 years, no problems, remission accomplished.
My GI has my blood work done every few months, watching diligently for any problems.
In my opinion, Imuran which has been around since the 50's has a very good safety profile compared with some of the newer biologics.
Posted 11/25/2011 4:50 PM (GMT 0)
Imuran and Remicade are working for me at this time but I am also cautious and concerned in taking them. There is no easy answer but if you decide to take Imuran, make sure you get regular blood work done and become aware of any physical reactions (read online what to look for). I developed itchy sores on my scalp and face and lower back pain; I told my doctor, he lowered the dose and now I'm better.
Posted 11/25/2011 6:32 PM (GMT 0)
 took imuran for 13.5 years and it was the only drug able to keep me in remission, and believe me, I had a lot of solid remissions while on that drug.  It is not without its dangers, so you need to have your bloodwork monitored every 2-3 months by your GI.  If your levels look good you are probably fine.  Good luck!

 

Posted 11/25/2011 8:49 PM (GMT 0)
Don't get me wrong, this question has been asked many a time on this board and if I have noticed correctly, in spite of the side-effects of this drug (I haven't seen any though) the drug is a blessing. A combination of Balsalazide and Azathioprine has put me in remission. I can't tell you in words, how thankful I am to these 2 drugs.

Yeah, yesterday was thanksgiving and I totally forgot this part of, what I am thankful for :)
Posted 11/25/2011 11:28 PM (GMT 0)
I have been taking Imuran for about 3 years now and it put me in a solid remission for very quickly.  I did my research and found that it has been around for a long time and has a lot of research behind it.  I haven't had any problems while being on it.  Also I started on 200 mg and lowered it to 150 mg and now take 100 mg.  My last colonoscopy and flex showed a completely healed colon.  I asked my Gi doc about the safety of it and he said he is unaware of anyone having a serious problem with it. It either usually works or it doesen't.  People know that very quickly.

MyUC

 

Posted 11/26/2011 12:16 AM (GMT 0)
I like Imuran too- I feel it's done more for my UC than any other drug I've used. I too get a little sketched out about being on it, especially long-term. But like other posters have said, it's been in use for a very long time, extensively studied, and there really aren't too many horrible side effects. I take a faily high dose, but to put it in perspective, people with organ transplants are on it at a vastly higher dose than us US'ers, for their lives! Sometimes the combination of Imuran and a biologic scares me a bit, but what can you do? If they're working, you use them.
Posted 11/26/2011 12:51 AM (GMT 0)
pancreatitis for me also, but I beieve it was sending me into remission before I had to get off of it.
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