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Scared of taking 6-MP

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 3/17/2013 5:45 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, i've been on 6-mp for about 5 months now and have since read about the increased risk of lymphoma cancers. My GI said he would keep me on it for 2 years when I first started it. On asacol 5ASA tho. Coming down from 5mg prednisone.

Even though the increased risk is very low, I still worry about it every day and dread taking the tablets.
I know from reading that the benefits outweigh the negatives, and the answers i'm probably going get will be like this.

Whats the point of being it for approx 2 years? Why not just stop since i've had 0 symptoms since diagnose 4-5 months ago? And how do I stop having fear from taking the tablets? Its like i'm gonna have fear every day for the next 2 years at this rate.

Thank you very much.

Post Edited (Rick123123) : 3/17/2013 6:48:50 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 3/17/2013 9:48 AM (GMT 0)
There is probably the same risk with all drugs for uc :/ I went through the same thing you are! It's hard :(
Posted 3/17/2013 9:57 AM (GMT 0)
Yeah thats the risk we take to be better. Dont worry about it though this increased risk is very small. Also I beleive I heard my GI once say something about being symptom free for 2 years, then being able to stop maintenance meds.
Posted 3/17/2013 11:08 AM (GMT 0)
I personally do not want to scare you more but I do not think you should stop taking it after two years. A lot of people who get in remission then go off meds eventually reflare. Also the flares can be harder to treat so if Azo worked this time you may have to go up to Remicade or Humira next time. I am not yang if you stay on the Azo you won't reflare but chances are less.

Now to your point. I am terrified of the meds I have to take. Some people do find success with diet and supplements and are able to go off meds. It is completely up to you if you are willing to try going down or off meds and see what happens. But the risks of cancer from your colon being inflamed is in my opinion just as dangerous.

I know it is scary. When the thought slips in your head try forcing it away with a positive affirmation. This medicine will help me to get better and not make me sick. I know it sounds dumb but the more you say it to yourself the more you will believe it. When I was first told to do this for another problem I thought it was never going to help but it has really helped me with an issue I had negative feelings about.
Posted 3/17/2013 11:51 AM (GMT 0)
Keep your eye on the ball, we're all getting out alive :)
Posted 3/17/2013 12:56 PM (GMT 0)
Your doctor is dillusional to think you can be on 6mp for two years and then quit because you will be cured. UC is forever. You have to treat it forever, by doing something.
Posted 3/17/2013 1:24 PM (GMT 0)
It is possible to take 6mp for a few years, then wean off as long as the patient is on adjunct therapies like 5asas or rectal meds.

For example, I was on Imuran for a year or so but was able to get off because the 5asas were keeping me in remission.
Posted 3/17/2013 3:20 PM (GMT 0)
i think breathing increases your odds of getting cancer ;-)
Posted 3/17/2013 3:54 PM (GMT 0)
I take 6mp and while i don't like taking this medication, my UC has improved a ton while on it. I wouldn't stop even though I am symptom free and have been for quite some time. After 6mp, you have to move on to much more difficult treatments, like Remicade. I don't have the time or money to get an infusion every month- 2 months. The thought of being trapped in a job and dependent on remicade scares me way more than a tablet of 6mp.
Posted 3/17/2013 4:04 PM (GMT 0)
When I was on all the UC meds (I was on just about every one) I would remind myself that taking the meds to try and get better was more important than not taking them and leaving the colon in such an inflamed state which in my opinion is far more dangerous.

Not sure why your dr. said he would only keep you on it for two years though. UC just doesn't just go away. Once you have it, it's yours for life.
Posted 3/17/2013 6:37 PM (GMT 0)
Rick....are you still on any 5ASA meds (oral/rectal)?

q
Posted 3/18/2013 12:36 AM (GMT 0)

quincy said...
Rick....are you still on any 5ASA meds (oral/rectal)?

q

yea forgot to say Asacol 5ASA, now on 5 mg prednisone, almost at 0

Post Edited (Rick123123) : 3/17/2013 6:48:26 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 3/18/2013 5:42 AM (GMT 0)
I've been on 6MP for a month, although we're relying on Remicade to be the primary treatment to get me well. The 6MP is supposed to boost the effectiveness, although it was going to be the primary drug treatment if the Remicade didn't get authorized by my immoral insurance company. I'm not worried about the cancer risk--I sort of go with soystud's philosophy here that just about anything increases your cancer risk.

I'm more concerned about the increased colon cancer risk from ulcerative colitis than I am about the lymphoma risk from 6MP or Remi. I'm also supposed to be on 6MP and Remi forever, but 1) I figure I can eventually convince my doctor to let me use Remi + Asacol for remission, and 2) I suspect treatments will improve at some point in my life (since I'm 26) and I'll eventually start a better treatment.
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