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Remicade not holding up. GI adding 6mp?!

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 5/5/2015 9:37 PM (GMT 0)
I've been taking Remicade (at what I suspect is the regular dose) for 2 infusions so far. I seem to have a positive enough reaction (decreased BM frequency and less blood) but have not had anything resembling a formed stool. Always diarrhea sad . In fact its been months of not a single solid BM. This despite having been on Prednisone and Lialda before Remicade for a very long time.
Anyhow!.. I basically told the GI that the Remicade "fades" after 5 days or so and instead of watery clear stools I begin to get excruciatingly painful and bloody BMs. Well instead of modifying the frequency or strength of the Remicade (which I sadly suspect is not going to work) the GI has decided to add the immunno suppressant 6mp.
The dose is 50mg and I suspect it should have been part of the Remicade "cocktail" from the beginning.
Now I'm just hoping that this is the final kick in the ass my immune system needs to at least seem some improvement.
So far I've read about quite a few nasty side effects from the 6mp. Anyone with some experience with 6mp want to chime in?
Posted 5/5/2015 11:37 PM (GMT 0)
Its not unusual to be on remicade and 6mp simultaneously, rather it's recommended to avoid antibody buildup to remicade.

I've been on 6mp for over two years now, and I haven't had a side effect from it. 6mp side effects are similar to that of remicade, and since you already take remi then no worries. Both have very statistically rare side effects.

6mp takes at least several months to build up tp therapeutic levels in your body, so I wouldn't expect instantaneous relief. Your gastroenterologist will likely increase your dosage after a few months. I started at 50mgs 6mp, and am now on 75mgs.
Posted 5/5/2015 11:39 PM (GMT 0)
iPoop, what can be done for relief while one is waiting for 6mp to work? I'm so afraid of being out of work for an extended period of time.
Posted 5/5/2015 11:42 PM (GMT 0)
Often a steroid is used while you wait for 6mp to work. I was on prednisone. I'd recommend a rectal steroid enema, suppository, or uceris oral if you want to minimise side effects.
Posted 5/5/2015 11:48 PM (GMT 0)
Okay, thank you. I wonder if my doctor will want me to go back up on my pred. I've already been on it for quite some time. I am still using the hydrocortisone enemas (every 2 days at this point). I should be hearing back from him tomorrow.

(sorry DeadKennedy, didn't mean to interrupt your thread!)
Posted 5/5/2015 11:53 PM (GMT 0)
GloGirl: No problem! Excellent questions.
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