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What doseage of 6 MP works for you??

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 5/24/2009 3:36 PM (GMT 0)
I have been trying to get up to 75 mg. of 6MP for two months.  Every time I try to go from 50 MG I have side effects hard to live with - shakey, dizzy, headaches, nausea, tired, etc.  I can tolerate 50 mg. but will that be enough.  about time for 6 MP to "kick in" but not so far.  My gastro doc seems to think I have to be on 75 mg. for it to work - any opinions out there.

I have been trying rectal meds - three different ones like two nights a piece but they only make me worse!  My UC is left sided but mostly rectal.

ElaineNY

Posted 5/24/2009 3:40 PM (GMT 0)
My doctor did labwork to make sure my dose was at therapeutic levels. Maybe your doctor needs to do the same. I'm on 75 mgs but my doctor just had me increase to 100 mgs. on Mondays and Thursdays, I stay on 75 mgs. the rest of the days. Maybe something like that would help you and wouldn't cause all the side effects.
Posted 5/24/2009 4:12 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks - I just had the prometheus tests - haven't come back yet.  I took the 75 mg. for a week before the test as instructed but was soooo sick by day 4 - yuck!  I told him I would try everyother day 50 and 75 - but it is not working.  I can't do anything - can't leave the house, etc.  Same symptoms as I get from mesalamines only worse the longer I took it.  I am hoping the tests might show that 50 mg. would be enough - my luck, it probably won't be.  I am VERY sensitive to medications of all kinds.  I am one of those who can take one Tylenol and get rid of pain.  I always tell the doctor - think of me as a 100 lbs. kid - not the 230 lbs. old lady I am.  HEE HEE! 

ElaineNY

Posted 5/24/2009 6:33 PM (GMT 0)
I'm 5'4'' and about 135lbs.

I take 75mg. I recently tried to drop to 50mg and at the same time dropped from 4 to 3 Lialda. Started having flare symptoms after a few weeks, so went back to regular doses and added steriod enemas that are knocking the symptoms out! My liver function tests are sometimes slightly elevated and the Prometheus test seemed to be a waste of money. It showed me in the high risk for side-effects and low chance of working. I have gotten a 2nd opinion from a top notch GI clinic who says that all that matters is liver functions tests and not what "high-price" Prometheus tests say. I haven't noticed 6MP side effects other than some hair loss after starting it like everyone else. That stopped after a few weeks. I have 3 more weeks of steriod enemas to be sure I'm in solid remission and then plan to even try to get pregnant on 6MP. I sure hope things get better soon Elaine

By the way Elaine, I never let you know that I saw the specialist at Mayo clinic on the Porphyria issues. Turns out the 6MP was causing some imbalances in Porphyrian levels but I do not have that condition. The specialist said I only had 2 elevated levels and to have that condition 8-9 levels have to be tested and looked at together. All is well and I haven't had any more dark urine or weak/shaky spells.
Posted 5/24/2009 6:52 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks!  I find that on this forum mostly everyone on 6MP is also on other drugs - not just rectal.  Lialda was working somewhat for me but I developed an intolerance like all the mesalamines.  There is nothing I can take with the  6MP but steroids or rectal meds with steroids. 

I am anxious to find out what the prometheus tests show and what my doctor says and the specialist I am going to in Albany.  I am thankful that I only pay a small amount of the cost.  I don't have to pay for any doctor visits and only $9 a month per perscription so money is never a factor for me. 

You are lucky you don't have the side effects I have from 75 mg.  Actually, I have some with 50 but I can tolerate them ok.  I wake up EVERY morning with nausea but goes away after I eat breakfast usually or I take pepto.  With 75 mg. I feel "wasted" all day!!

ElaineNY

Posted 5/25/2009 1:10 PM (GMT 0)

Hey Elaine,

I wish I could give you some valid information but I just started 6mp about 3 weeks ago and am definitley not feeling the benefits (if there are any) of the drug.  I had to start on 30mg of Pred last Wednesday because I'm in a serious flare right now that definilty effels like it is all in the rectum. 

I'm hoping that the 6mp kicks in and works!  Good luck to you!

Posted 5/25/2009 3:07 PM (GMT 0)
Elaine,

the Prometheus Test is really not the best way to determine if and how much of 6MP helps or not. I am a low responder myself according to the test, BUT ... I am on 50 mg since months and it works for me. I used to have flares every 4 months and was anxiously awaiting March to have a flare - there is nothing (right now). So 50 mg might work for you too.

I still have side effects from 50 mg like fatigue and I sweat so easily, but I understand that you feel wasted on 75 mg. I was the same. So don't give up, things might take a turn for the good.

Posted 5/25/2009 4:01 PM (GMT 0)
We have been on 6mp since last April. Started at 50mg, then to 75mg, then alternated days, 50- 75, and now just at 50mg. Didn't notice a single difference between theses doses. Once the Prometheus test came back that her levels dipped from 191 to 120--think 200 is considered therapeutic for her, they increased the dose, but we didn't notice much....was in a long simmering flare till the Remicade kicked in. She is 5'4" and 115 lbs.
Posted 5/26/2009 12:00 AM (GMT 0)

Alternating is not helping - still quite sick on mornings after taking 75mg.  Wait to see what the tests say and what the specialist says June 18.  Right now doing quite well and hoping it is the 6 MP that is helping!

ElaineNY

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