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Posted 6/29/2012 11:20 PM (GMT 0)
Major question. I have been on 75mg of Imuran since March and off Prednisone since May. Started flaring Monday. I went to the GI Wednesday. Today I picked up my prescriptions.

Here is where I am confused. I thought the doc said to up Imuran to 100mg and go back on 40 mg Prednisone til bleeding stopped. I had some of each at home, so I waited until today to get my meds. When I picked up my prescriptions today, the Imuran said to take 3 tablets once daily. That would be 150 mg and double my original dose.

It was too late to call the doc's office, so I was wondering if I am really supposed to double my intake of Imuran or just go to 100mg like I thought he said. What do you all think? Is it more likely that I was just to up my dosage alittle or double it? Shouldn't I be on the lowest dose possible to keep from horrible side effects?
Posted 6/30/2012 12:30 AM (GMT 0)
I don't know too much about Imuran, I am on 6mp, but I don't think 150 is considered a HIGH dose of Imuran. I notice 150mg seems to be about the average. If you think he said to go to 100mg, I would just start with 100mg and put a call into him to see if he can clarify. Usually they will get back to you pretty quickly.
Posted 6/30/2012 12:39 AM (GMT 0)
Sorry to hear you are flaring! 150mg isn't too high for imuran. I am actually on 200mg. With that said though, I would either call now and see if the dr on call can access your files or call 1st thing on Monday. I would just take the 100mg until you know for sure. Good luck!
Posted 6/30/2012 12:45 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks guys. I will call the doc on Monday. It is so weird how this flare differs from my last one. UC sure is fickle.
Posted 6/30/2012 6:18 PM (GMT 0)
I saw in your sig you've never tried rectal meds?  I'd push for them if I were you rather then pred again.  I started to slide into a flare about 5 months after starting Imuran (I had stopped Rowasa rather then a maintenance dose) - anyway, I was able to hold it off and things started to improve after a couple days.  Good luck!  Agree with the others - stay at 100mg and call GI to confirm dose.
Posted 6/30/2012 7:06 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there!
I just wanted to chip in since I'm a bit of a Imuran pro now! ( five years EEK!)
I pretty sure your dose of Imuran relates to your weight ie a certain ammount per kg a lot of people seem to be on
150mg like me which is 50/70kg range.
Also I asked my GI about reducing my dose and he told me Imuran is not considered theraputic when taking under 100mg,ie unlikely to make any difference,that is why he does not reduce the dose when you go into remisson.
Posted 6/30/2012 7:25 PM (GMT 0)
I weighed 130 when I went for my appointment on Wednesday. My stool is formed but I have blood which seems to be letting up since I have been taking Predinsone since Monday.

My largest problem seems to be pain. It is really weird. about 4 inches below my navel, I start to feel cramping and pain before needing to go to the bathroom. When I get on the toilet and start to push, my gag reflex kicks in. The past couple of days, this has caused me vomiting...but not really. I seem to throw up bile only-no food even if I have just eaten. It's like i need to burp and pass gas at the same time I am trying to pass stool. Basically, I explode! My stomach will hurt for quite awhile afterwards. Also, my poop has a green tint even though I haven't eaten anything that would remotely turn it that shade.
Posted 6/30/2012 7:46 PM (GMT 0)
I really feel for you,just try to hang on in there and not get too down,if the blood is letting up your probably turning a corner,I too experienced many strange symptoms when flaring including things relating too the stomach one really horrid one was feeling like I wanted to vommit directly after eating.
I think your whole system seems to go a bit haywire when flaring,try to take it easy until things settle.
Also Imuran is a slow working drug it can be up to 3 months before you feel the full benefit,so as soon as things calm down you should be able to get off the prednisolne for good.I think you should be much more worried about the harmful side effects of prednisolne,than imuran.Imuran is considered quite a safe drug now as it has been used for many years,and the doses given for UC are very low compared to when it is used to lower the immune system after say a transplant
Posted 6/30/2012 7:51 PM (GMT 0)
You guys are the best! One added benefit that I have discovered besides the invaluable information on this site is that my laptop makes for a great heating pad on my tummy!
Posted 7/2/2012 5:53 PM (GMT 0)
My doc said to go to 150 mg. on the Imuran which I did last night with my dinner. about an hour after taking it, I had to run to the bathroom with the big D which I have not been having!

I had to make several trips to the bathroom before bed and even had to get up during the night. This morning I had blood and got to work and had to go to the bathroom for some more D.

Do you think upping the dose effected me that quickly or was it more likely something I ate?
Posted 7/2/2012 7:49 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,
I think D is very unlikely to be caused by the increased Imuran,headache or nausea can sometimes be attribruted to it but it is ussually when you first start taking.
Have you tried anything for D like soluable fibre PYSLLIUM SEED I find that really helps.
Posted 7/2/2012 10:34 PM (GMT 0)
This was my first bout of D this flare. I really do believe it was from something I ate yesterday. We will know tonight after I take my meds.
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