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Imuran, blood work, cancer risks

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 6/20/2014 4:08 PM (GMT 0)
I just started Imuran since I was flaring really badly and unfortunately LDN didn't seem to work for me. I worry about the possible side effects like cancer, but I also couldn't move due to the terrible arthritis I have from my flares.

So I know you are supposed to get regular blood work done while on Imuran. Is there any way possible to predict/prevent cancer risk by following the blood work or can you basically only check for liver abnormalities and bone marrow suppression?
Posted 6/20/2014 7:43 PM (GMT 0)
Good question. As far as the liver goes you can find out in plenty of time before liver damage occurs but I'm betting that by the time you figure out you've got cancer, it's too late. I'm not a fan of Imuran or biologics at all but the cancer risk is probably about the same or lower than the cancer risk of having an inflamed colon due to UC.
Posted 6/20/2014 9:58 PM (GMT 0)
My GI told me that lymphoma is the main cancer risk with Imuran but I'm pretty sure that can be detected by bloods. (Not 100% sure though so correct me if I'm wrong!) And also skin cancer because it makes you more photosensitive, so wear factor 50 all of the time.
He also told me though that the risk of getting these is much less than the risk of getting bowel cancer if you don't try heal your colon. So you need to weigh up the risks in my opinion!
It can damage your liver & pancreas but blood tests show that up very quickly and they are reservable when you stop the drug.
Posted 6/21/2014 7:48 AM (GMT 0)
The odds of someone on immunosuppressive meds (imuran, 6mp, aza) getting lymphoma are 4 in 10,000 (or 0.004%). Its not exactly something to loose sleep over.

I have an liver panel test done as oart of my minthly bloodwork, it would catch any abnormalities early.
Posted 6/21/2014 1:08 PM (GMT 0)
iPoop, I totally agree. The risk on Imuran is not much higher than the general public for cancer. It amazes me how people freak out about this non-issue.Of course , none of us want to take meds unless we have to, but for me Imuran has been a life saver!
Posted 6/21/2014 3:04 PM (GMT 0)
While I did say in a previous post that the cancer risk for Imuran (and some other UC drugs) is either about the same or lower than the risk of colon cancer for a UC'r with many years of inflammation, I really hate it when people poo poo those risks as being small. It's not small at all for those it happens to. The risk is 100% to those that come down with cancer due to Imuran. Of course the risk of colon cancer is also 100% for those UC'rs who come down with colon cancer. The risks are only small for those that don't ever develop the cancer. I would recommend staying away from all of these drugs if at all possible. So far, knock on wood, I have been able to do that. I have never been convinced that any kind of tests will give you a heads up to stop the treatment before cancer starts. By the time you find out it is usually probably too late.
Posted 6/21/2014 5:22 PM (GMT 0)
well of course the risk is high for the one in a gazillion that "catches" cancer - duh gar !

same risk for slipping on a bar of soap in the shower and getting skewered by the spout - it's really risky if it happens to you - not so much for everyone else !
Posted 6/21/2014 10:06 PM (GMT 0)
Friends don't let friends get skewered by spouts…
As i said, none of us want to take meds, but with all the blood tests they have now, it almost negates the risk and we all seem to agree, chronic inflammation is the worst risk factor of all.
BTW they just legalized medical marijuana in my state, do any of you have experience with med-pot oils? -did it help you?
Posted 6/23/2014 4:50 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the input, everyone. I know the risk of cancer isn't that much higher than the regular population, but I've never been a big risk taker and am a huge worrier, so of course I worry that I'll be the one in the small percentage. I may ask my doctor when I see her again about the risk of cancer and the blood work. I'm not even sure how they would tell, but i do have high levels of inflammation and I know that's a cancer risk factor too. I've been on biologics and methotrexate and those didn't work, so I'm wondering how Imuran may fare for me.

Of course I think we'd all rather be drug free, but I unfortunately can't seem to get my disease under control despite dietary modifications and meds. I'm hoping maybe Imuran will help since I'm on steroids again and feel like I belong in the looney bin.
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