Imuran or Remicade?

Hey everyone, I've had an acute flair since Sept 08 and keep going to the hospital. Finally the GI's want me to try Imuran or should I ask for Remicade? I have been taking prednisone for 2 weeks now and supposed to change to one of the others. Any ideas on what is better, side effects etc... I have alot of problems on Prednisone. Headaches, heartburn, insomnia, restlessness, hyper, fatigued, everything. My 35 times to the bathroom has totally changed since pred. to not going at all!!! I take laxatives and its not working. Wondering whats going on? Finally able to say I feel better than I have in the last 14 months!!! But, I had a scope last week and I'm 25% worse than summer.

I see Remicade as having no more risks than Imuran (or 6 MP). Remicade is more expensive and its a pain to have the infusions.

Remicade is a TNF blocker which I like the idea of as opposed to Imuran which suppresses the immune system. I'd rather still produce stuff and have it blocked than suppress it. You have to have get your blood checked at least monthly while on Imuran to make certain you don't stop producing white blood cells.

I believe everyone wants to be completey med-free and manage UC with a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Let us know when you've unlocked the secret bebushka (cool name).

Did you pay the $4000 out of pocket or a portion of that? I believe I paid 10% of my infusion costs (still a lot compared to Imuran).

I just don't like how Imuran works compared to Remicade. Lymphoma is wicked but I saw a study where Imuran was shown to increase the risk of lymphoma four fold. Both drugs are risky I'd say.

Burli said...
I believe everyone wants to be completey med-free and manage UC with a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Let us know when you've unlocked the secret bebushka (cool name).

Did you pay the $4000 out of pocket or a portion of that? I believe I paid 10% of my infusion costs (still a lot compared to Imuran).

I just don't like how Imuran works compared to Remicade. Lymphoma is wicked but I saw a study where Imuran was shown to increase the risk of lymphoma four fold. Both drugs are risky I'd say.

I almost had to pay out of pocket for it, well my family did, but my first two infusions were paid for by charity and the last one was insurance. Then I applied for a Remicade financial program but by then, I had decided to not get any more infusions.

You're right about the risks of both. It seems like we just have to roll the dice if we're to take either of them.

I'm determined to manage the UC med-free. I am such a health nut, but even more than that, I have this very intuitive resistance to taking these drugs. I think UC is manageable without meds, our bodies have just gotten so off balance. I'm lucky I have a family willing to support me throughout the trial and error process. I did have to quit my job, move back home, and shut my 28 yr old party life down and spend the time and energy experimenting with alternative modalities. The stuff I have found out regarding digestive illnesses in Eastern medicine is endless and so interesting and sure it's not a quick fix like we're trained to want and achieve in our Western minds, it's a whole shift of lifestyle and it takes time and a lot of effort. I can go on and on about it but everybody in the forum has their own path to take and would probably rather not hear all the things I have to say. I do know certain things, though, like patience, slowing down, moderation, and ridding ourselves of worry, anger, and fear. Also, keep educating yourself. There are answers out there, you just have to keep opening those doors...

I feel for you, bebushca. I pay for insurance biweekly and thus don't really notice the costs for me in total. If I had no insurance and had to fork out $4K per infusion I would freak. Definitely a deal breaker for some.
Money versus health is hard. Probably why so many elect for surgery.

Imuran does take a while that's for sure.

I believe I can hear the lymphoma growing in my body as we speak.

I got UC in college after changing my eating habits and social habits for the worse. My mom said (in so many words) I messed myself up with all the fast food, stress and partying.

There's a lot to be said for a healthy lifestyle...I'll just try and steer my kids into it as best I can.

Worse thing from imuran is the wait to see if its going to work. If doing well enough to maybe to last another 6 months with the present symptoms I would give it a try.

Christine1946---how long have you been on pred for those side-effects to kick in? and did you notice anything differently in your life when you suddenly flared after 2 years of remission (i.e. change in diet, mental/emotional/physical stress)?

Nelly's Mum,
I'm sorry about your daughter.
I've said this before...I've been through a lot of pain and missed out on many things because of UC. I lost my hearing in one ear--maybe that too was because of the drugs I take.

I've wasted so much time in bed, hospitals, doctor's offices, pharmacies, on the toilet, having medical procedures, posting on this forum.

And look whay people go through to get better; some even collect family member's poop, mix it in a blender and put it up their own bottom to get better, others gives themselves enemas made with garlic and other recipes, not to mention all the supplements that probably don't do much other than provide the makers a salary.

It's better she had it done now.