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Quick question about lab for azathioprine

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 7/2/2010 10:46 PM (GMT 0)
Hey everyone.  Soooooooo..........I still haven't taken the plunge.  But, I did talk to a pharmacist about using azathioprine as a preventive and she said it was a good idea......And I am seeing my GP on July 5. 

Here is the quick question........I know that frequent blood work is needed.  And my understanding is that the intial blood work was to get a baseline of your levels.  The subsequent blood work is to make sure that your WBC is not dropping too low and to check liver enzymes.  However, I have heard a few times (or read) that the initial bloodwork is to see if you can metabolize it....... What is the deal? 

Thanks in advance for your input!

tongue  

Posted 7/3/2010 12:45 AM (GMT 0)
I started taking 6mp a bit over a month ago and so far I had blood work a week before I started it, then 2 weeks later. I have now been on it about a month and I have to go for bloodwork again in about a week. After that, it is monthly for a while. The first test was different but it was just a CBC I think with a few other tests and they checked for Vitamin D and found out that I am deficient. My UC is doing great right now, I am not sure if the 6mp is helping or if it is the prednisone but I haven't been using anything other than those 2 things so it's one or the other or a combo of both. I haven't noticed any bad side effects from 6mp.
Posted 7/3/2010 12:59 AM (GMT 0)
Before taking 6MP my doctor had me go to a special lab for a Prometheus test.  The Prometheus tests are sent to their lab in California.  This test shows if you can metabolize 6MP and at what doseage.  I could not tolerate more than 50 mg and tests showed I needed at least 75 mg. to work for me so I had to quit taking it.  Anything over 50mg. made me sick with flu-like symptoms!

ElaineNY

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