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6mp or Imuran?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 4/26/2012 8:47 PM (GMT 0)
I know some people tolerate one and not the other.  Just wondering if there are any reasons to choose one over the other.
Posted 4/26/2012 9:46 PM (GMT 0)
The Prometheus test normally determines which one works better for each individual. Some people need the break down while others can handle the purer form. It has something to do with the liver enzymes but I'm not exactly sure how.
Posted 4/26/2012 10:17 PM (GMT 0)
it also has something to do with your genetics, as to which one you take, if i'm not mistaken. A test helps to determine. I just got blood taken for the test to see if I can take imuran
Posted 4/27/2012 1:07 AM (GMT 0)
I got the test but they didn't really say it was to determine which one of the two. More like could my liver handle it at all. They just said it was fine, I don't know the numbers. Does anyone know how to read that test? I haven't looked at it, doc just said it was fine or normal or something. Then they came up with a dose. I still can't believe I'm on to this after 12 years ... ugg.. I think they want to start at 50mg and my dose should be 80mg. Can you take 80? I always heard 50 then 100. He said my weight suggests 80mg and that he'd test me to be sure we were therapeutic so I didn't have to take more than needed.

He said he usually uses Imuran because that is what he trained with, but was fine if I wanted 6mp.

Waitng for TB test and Hep B screen to come back.
Posted 4/27/2012 5:05 AM (GMT 0)
I took 75mg of 6mp for a while. You can split the pills easily with a pill cutter. The normal dose of 6mp seems to be 50 - 100mg. For imuran, it seems like people usually take between 100 & 200mg. I notice more people taking Imuran over 6mp from seeing on healing well but it may be a coincidence. I don't know why my doctor chose 6mp for me, I think I could have taken either medication. She always seemed more confidentin using 6mp for me. Not sure if it's my case of uc or if she's more comfortable with 6mp? Probably just prefers 6mp I assumed.
Posted 4/27/2012 11:43 AM (GMT 0)
I started Aza (Imuran) but it stopped working after around 6 months so tried 6mp and it did the same ..now I take both 6mp and Remicade
Posted 4/27/2012 11:55 AM (GMT 0)
6mp is half the dose of Imuran. For example, if you are taking 100mgs of Imuran that is equivalent to 50mgs of 6mp. So 80mgs of Imuran is like 40mgs of 6mp. It's an odd number but for a while I was taking an odd mg of 6mp. Now I am just taking 50mgs of 6mp which is more or less just so my body doesn't reject the Remicade.

I don't understand the numbers for the test. They told me once but it went over my head.
Posted 4/27/2012 1:05 PM (GMT 0)
I really hope I can just stick to the 6mp and doesn't stop working. Is that very common? I know you never know. I just really don't want to be on both Remicaide and 6mp/Imuran. I was going to start the 6mp when my tests came back and hope I respond quickly enough to avoid the Remi for now. I can add if I have to. Also I can live with my sxs for now. Just concerned about ongoing inflammation and flaring worse as I taper Prednisone. I'm at 25mg as of yesterday. about the same sxs. Lots of formed stool with blood and mucous, varying amounts. Usually morning, nothing all day and some at night. NOt really waking up with it like I was and not so much liquidy stuff.
Posted 4/27/2012 3:53 PM (GMT 0)
Seasons,

I would hurry and start the 6-MP before weaning the prednisone any further so that you give the 6-MP a chance to work.

You want the 6-MP to kick in while weaning and getting off the Pred. so the 6-MP can take over.

Did you start already with the 6-MP?

i hope it works and you don't have to add in Remi turn

Posted 4/27/2012 3:56 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks ibdisthepits. I hope I don't have to add it either. I am not going to taper any further until starting the 6mp I guess. I'm waiting for the hep b and tb tests back. I guess I don't really need them, but my GI suggested vaccinating me for hep b if I wasn't immune already and the tb is more if I had to start remicaide. I filled the Rx but I haven't taken it yet. I'm such a chicken about these meds... sigh...
Posted 4/27/2012 5:10 PM (GMT 0)
You shouldnt have to worry about the test results for 6mp i dont think. I didnt have to have any tests before 6mp; aside from the one test that determines whether you can metabolize the medication. I did have a tb and chest xray when my gi thought i may not be responding to 6mp. This way i was prepared if i had to start remicade. Eventually i did end up getti g ito remission but it was a struggle for me. According to my gi, 6mp has a great potential for keeping uc clam for a very long time. I hope this is the case for you. I agree with ibsisthepits though, its not a bad idea to start sooer than later so you can get stable & off pred asap.
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