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imuran and weight

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 3/21/2013 5:26 AM (GMT 0)
Iv been in hospital for the last 6 days and caved in nd agreed to go on Imuran
Since Iv been dx with UC Iv been trying to avoid taking Imuran

Can everyone please tell me if u do gain weight with Imuran?
I know I can do a search but I'm on my phone and find it easy if u guys can answer here pretty please..

Also what should or could I expect going on Imuran..

Thanks guys
Posted 3/21/2013 8:20 AM (GMT 0)
Did you get a TPMT test to predict your ability to metabolize the drug? That will help speed your getting on atherapeutuc dose. I couldnt tolerate the sude effects in my case and had to stop within weeks, but if you tolerate them, bare in mind it takes 2-3 months minimum to even start benefiting from the drug (even thoside effects can start - indeed typicall show their face- within days or weeks). Be sure to insist on frequent monitoring blood tests. If it dampens your UC youshould gain weight.
Posted 3/21/2013 12:12 PM (GMT 0)
I had a flareup of my uc at the beginning of 2013 and I started 6mp (very similar to your Imuran just metabolized in a slightly different way) and prednisone in early January to help combat it. My lowest weight during this flare was 122 pounds. I am now back up to 129.5 pounds. So I was able to regain some weight. I have had no side effects on the 6mp.

You can get some tests to see how well you metabolize the Imuran, such as the prometheus enzyme test, just know those tests are very expensive and aren't necessary to get. My GI said the prometheus test was $400 so make sure it is covered by your insurance before considering it, I opted against getting it. Regardless of your choice they will run regular bloodwork, including a liver panel and blood cell count,in order to make sure your body isn't having any bad reactions to the Imuran.
Posted 3/21/2013 12:36 PM (GMT 0)
It's impossible to know if you will gain weight while on Imuran. It's not like pred where it gives you the "munchies" or causes moonface. But if you do gain weight, it might be because you will start feeling better so you will not be afraid to eat.

Imuran and 6mp takes a while to build up in your system. It may not be for several weeks before you see any results. Also, regular bloodwork is important. This will make sure your WBC doesn't drop and your liver is fine.

In the beginning you might get headaches, mild hair loss, nausea and fatigue. But once your body gets used to it, this should subside. Also, take caution if you injure yourself. While on these meds they may cause you to heal slower and you might be more prone to infections. You may bruise easier too.
Posted 3/21/2013 1:25 PM (GMT 0)
It also should be noted that you aren't going to regain weight without a concerted effort on your part. I have been purposely eating a lot more calories in order to regain some of the weight I've lost. Things like drinking whole milk, drinking protein shakes, having extra healthy snacks during the course of the day, and so forth are all a part of regaining weight. And it is all for naught, unless your uc is healed enough. If you are still inflamed or having a lot of diarrhea then you cannot regain period until you are healed enough. You don't have to be completely healed to see results, you just have to be well on your way. Good luck!
Posted 3/21/2013 2:25 PM (GMT 0)
6mp doesn't make me eat or have a big appetite but I think I've gained a few pounds just from being healthier. I am not sure whether it's just me without UC or if it's the leftover from prednisone. I've never managed to get rid of about 10 pounds i'd like to lose. Fortunately I was a size 0 before so I am not large now but 10 pounds at that size is a considerable amount of weight and I'd like to wear some of my old clothes. Maybe I am just getting older :(
Posted 3/21/2013 2:29 PM (GMT 0)
I don't think 6mp has affected my weight one way or the other, in two years.
Posted 3/21/2013 8:34 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks guys for all your information
They have taken me off Iv steroids and put me on oral but I feel im flaring again while in hospital ..I'm on 125gm of Imuran atm as well.
I just wanna go home and sick of being in hospital ..but worried my tummy is still flared up...and I have a lady I'm my room that I wanna put a pillow over her head a suffocate her, she is driving nuts :(
Posted 3/21/2013 8:46 PM (GMT 0)
Oh don't you just hate annoying roommates??!!

I hope you feel better soon and get sprung from that joint! Being in a hospital is no fun at all.
Posted 3/22/2013 4:02 AM (GMT 0)
lol lina, don't we all feel that way about someone once in a while? :)

I hope you're feeling better and out of there quickly, before you resort to the pillow.
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