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Remicad, Imuran or 6MP

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 2/12/2009 11:27 PM (GMT 0)
So I met with my GI today, he said that based on my colonoscopy that I had on Jan. 26th things look a lot better then they did when i was first dx a few months back.  He mentioned that my colon is however like a volcano and could explode (start flaring) at anytime and even though i feel ok on the outside (only 1-2 BMS a day) that I'm not ok on the inside. 

Soooo he recmonded that i start a stronger med and he threw out Remicade, Imuran and 6MP.  His recomendation was to go with Remicade. 

Those of you who are taking Remicade, what are your thoughts about the medication?  Have you felt that it works? What about the side affects, I've heard that it could potentially cause cancer. 

Any answers would be extremely helpful.

Thanks!

Posted 2/12/2009 11:39 PM (GMT 0)
I went on Remicade before Imuran beause it works faster and I was flaring pretty badly.  I've had great success with it.  My only side effects are that I am cold during the infusion and will sometimes get a headache.  And I am usually pretty tired for the next day or so.  After that - back to normal.  And when I say normal - I mean normal.  I am able to eat and do pretty much everything I was able to before my diagnosis.  As for the cancer side effect - my doctor assured me that it is minimal and I feel I just have to trust him.  Cuz staying in a constant flare with UC can also raise your risk for colon cancer.  So you have to weigh the pros and cons for yourself and decide which risk you are willing to live with.

Posted 2/13/2009 3:28 PM (GMT 0)
     Why is he so anxious to start you on Remicade if you aren't having symptoms?  I fought my GI tooth and nail 1st against starting the 6MP, which I relented after having UC for five years.  Since the 6MP does NOT keep me out of flares he started pushing Remicade.  Well, I did my homework and found out Remicade is NOT an option for me since I was exposed to the TB virus back in the 60's while working in a hospital lab.  I don't have active TB nor am I contagious but the Remicade could activate the TB in my system and it could have fatal consequences.

     Another thing.  My neighbor works for the company which produces Remicade.  She has her doctorate in pharmacology and told me (which I knew anyways) that the company gives pretty hefty perks to doctors who push this drug.  So, not saying it won't work...but investigate other options.

Posted 2/13/2009 4:40 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with Christine, i am surprised your doctor is quick to jump right to Remicade, especially if you are not in a flare at the moment and are feeling somewhat ok.  My doctor wanted to try all options before Remicade and i have found that Imuran is doing the trick right now...knowing that i also have Remicade down the road if i ever need it...

Posted 2/13/2009 6:15 PM (GMT 0)
I'd go with the Imuran first.  I'm on both right now, and am currently trying to get over a nasty cold.  It takes a bit longer for me to get over things then when I wasn't on this stuff.  I eventually get well, but that is a very annoying side effect of medication that screws with your immune system.
Posted 2/13/2009 10:50 PM (GMT 0)
There is something to be said about trying something strong while you are better.
Because you will live to flare another day. And then another, unfortunately.

I suppose it depends on how intolerable your flares are.
Posted 2/13/2009 11:51 PM (GMT 0)
I had a really bad reaction to the Imuran, and my GI said if I couldn't tolerate the Imuran 6MP probably wasn't an option for me. I was nervous about trying the Remicade, but it did the trick for me. I do worry about the cancer risk and at some point I will probably have the jpouch surgery, but now isn;t the time for me to take two months off to recover. The Remi is helping me put that off and lead a more or less normal life.
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