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6MP or Remicade?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 1/7/2011 9:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hey everyone,

I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis almost 5 years ago and have been off and on different medications and supplements. I had an adverse reaction to Asacol and developed pancreatitis while on Colazal. (I was on Colazal for three years prior to developing pancreatitis.) Since having pancreatitis I am very nervous about trying any new medication that has a chance of reoccurring pancreatitis. I have made it about a year without being on any strong medication since Colozal, however, my symptoms are consequently getting worse. My doctor wants me to start on some stronger medication because of my worsening condition. Within the next few days I need to decide between 6mp and remicade.

Does anyone have some advice between the two? I have heard a lot of great things about remicade and was wondering if it was really true. I will really be thankful for any advice that anyone has!

Thanks,
Alexander- 21yrs
Posted 1/7/2011 9:37 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Alexander, welcome!!

It is a tough decision that I had to make myself. I ended up going with 6mp because it seemed easier to me. It's just one or two pills a day. The downside is that it takes a long time to see any changes in your condition and some people never see significant improvement. You also have to have frequent blood testing to make sure that it's not causing too much toxcicity to your liver. Have you have the blood test to see whether you can break down 6mp? I would be worried about pacreatitis with 6mp because I've heard it's not too uncommon for people to develop when first starting 6mp.

As for remicade, I've never tried it but i've heard a lot of positive things. whichever you choose, I hope you have goodluck and that you start feeling better quickly.

Have you tried any enemas or rectal meds? Many of us have great results from rectal meds and they are mostly topical. Definitely something worth speaking to your GI about.
Posted 1/8/2011 12:35 AM (GMT 0)
6mp. I was on it, but my liver took a beating. I didn't want to try remicade because of the side effects and low success rate. 6mp was good other than that. I had the surgery...we'll see how that goes.
Posted 1/8/2011 12:43 AM (GMT 0)
I'm actually on both currently. 10mg/kg of remicade and 50mg of 6mp. The Remicade definitely did help me but it hasn't put me into remission yet and I started back in April when I was hospitalized. I get it done every 6 weeks.
Posted 1/8/2011 1:40 AM (GMT 0)

I would definitely start 6MP over Remicade.  Remi is considered stronger drug and is usually reserved for those patients that fail 6MP or Imuran.  It is true that some doctors will suggest Remi first because they want to start off very strong.  However as I understand it if Remicade fails they aren't going to put you on 6MP they are going to Humira (same level as Remi) or just straight to surgery.  If 6MP works then you can just coast there for many years.  I am on the sister drug of 6MP, Imuran.  It has helped me tremendously and I would strongly recommend you start out with 6MP or Imuran first. 

MyUC

Posted 1/8/2011 6:55 AM (GMT 0)
I was on both at the same time too. Neither did anything for me but others have had good experiences with them. Of the two I think I would start with 6-mp first because Remicade is so much more involved.
Posted 1/8/2011 7:14 AM (GMT 0)
Last week my flare was really bad and my GI said remicade if it doesn't get better with prednisone/asacol. This week I'm doing a lot better & he said my blood is good for 6mp. I was on 6mp a couple years ago & stayed in remission. I stopped taking all meds after being in remission for months and stayed in remission for a while. I should have stayed on the 6mp/asacol for longer but I just thought I'd stay in remission. Bad mistake. Weird your GI is asking you 6mp or rem? My GI said 6mp would be worthless to start if my condition didn't get better and to start remicade asap.
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