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6-MP Question

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 5/30/2013 11:35 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, folks,

I understand that 6-MP can take a while to improve symptoms. I have been on 50 mg of 6-mp for about a month, with a few weeks of Imuran (25 mg) prior to that. All blood work is a-ok. (Couldn't tolerate the nausea from Imuran, but doing ok on 6-mp, aside from what feels like some serious hair loss.)

My months-long flare seemed to be improving over the last two weeks, but it has recently worsened in terms of blood loss and frequency. Has anyone else experienced this when starting 6-mp or increasing the 6-mp dose--a worsening flare instead of a resolving one?

My next option is Remicade, and this has me wondering if my UC is going to really respond to 6-mp at all.

Thanks for any insight!
Posted 5/30/2013 11:41 PM (GMT 0)
It took me almost 5 months to get into a good zone with 6mp. I was probably the slowest responder out of anyone i've seen here. I had such bad luck, bad blood work, increased liver enzymes, low WBC, had to see a hematologist weekly. I thought I would never get into remission. 25mg of Imuran is almost nothing. I can't see that doing anything for your condition. 50mg of 6mp is an low/average dose but depending on the results of your blood work, you may be able to increase the dose to 75mg, some people even take 100mg. Your GI should really be testing your blood to see whether you're in the therapeutic range for the drug. The test basically shows your toxicity to your liver vs. benefit from 6mp. If you're not on the range for benefit, it's unlikely you're going to see any results from the drug.
Posted 5/31/2013 1:18 AM (GMT 0)
I've only noticed improvement with 6MP recently, since I went up to 75mg from 50mg. For the first 3 months or so, I didn't notice any improvement that didn't come a couple days after Remicade infusions.

It has helped decrease frequency and pain, as well as fatigue, but it hasn't done very much in terms of firming up stool, and I've still had blood and mucus on a regular basis.

I would stick with it--my doctor said that I shouldn't expect anything (besides side effects!) for the first couple of months, and from what I've heard, 2 months is the minimum time and 3+ is more common.

Remicade has worked very well for me so far, MUCH better than 6MP (at least, much MUCH more immediately!!). So I guess, don't worry at this point.
Posted 5/31/2013 1:42 AM (GMT 0)
I dont see why 6mp would worsen a flare unless you are intolerant to an ingredient in it. I noticed drastic improvement in symptoms within a day or two of taking it and didnt get worse during my time on it.
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