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Imuran Question

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 11/4/2011 2:20 PM (GMT 0)
This morning I woke up to a voicemail from my doctor telling me my bloodwork just got back from checking in on my Imuran and I was told to take 1 more pill/day (50mg Imuran already so I'd be up to 100mg - I see alot of people do 100 or 150) because "my levels are off."  I was under the impression that the bloodwork is done to check up on the pancreas enzymes to avoid the pancreatitis.  Since that is what I'm thinking... why in the world would I want to take more?  I'm assuming that there is something else? Maybe I am not taking enough yet and that registers?  Just want to see, as I know I will not hear back from my GI until Monday. He's a morning callerbacker. Thanks!
Posted 11/4/2011 3:55 PM (GMT 0)
There is a test that shows how much theraputic benefit you're getting from 6mp/imuran. If your liver enzymes are in the normal range and you're below the theraputic range, they will try raising the dose to get you into the theraputic range. The theraputic range is the range where most people respond to the medication. Are you in a flare up or stable? 50mg is a VERY low dose of imuran. I can't see that low of a dose proving any results.

when you get in touch with your GI ask what tests were run and why he wants to increase the dose. My GI is very open with these test resuts, she shows them to me & explains the meaning, you may want to askf or a copy if you're interested.

Posted 11/4/2011 3:58 PM (GMT 0)
Do you know the name of the blood test? There is a blood test called the Prometheus metabolites. This checks to see if you are in the therapeutic range or not. If the levels are low than the doctor might have you increase the dosage but at the same time checking your living enzymes (with a standard lab test) to see that everything is good in that aspect. The standard blood test also checks your WBC, CBC and pancreatic readings.

50mgs of Imuran is a rather low dose and it may not be enough. Are you still having UC issues with the 50mgs of Imuran?
Posted 11/4/2011 4:06 PM (GMT 0)
It is the promethius metabolites test. The purple tube, lol. No, I am not having problems thank goodness. I just got off pred this week after 6 months and I started the imuran in September. This makes me feel much better. I thought I was getting sick again!
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