Imuran & Herpes - Any experience?

Hi everyone, diagnosed with UC about a year ago, was put on Pentasa and was fine for a few months, then flared and was out on Prednisone with an 8 week taper from 60mg. Have been fine for about 3 weeks after that and currently seems I’m flaring again with cramps and diarrea.

On another note I also have HSV2..

My doctor has suggested taking Prednisone again for the next 4 days at 60mg then do a fast taper or maybe even stop completely (I assume because of the short time).

After that he has suggested I go on Imuran. My question is, does anybody (with herpes) have any experience with Imuran?

Reason I ask is because its an immunosuppressant , I’m guessing that means the UC might be controlled but the herpes outbreaks definetely wont?


Thanks,
1Wish

Hi Quincy,
I would yes however where I live its not covered so quite expensive.

I did too much googling yesterday about people with IBD and herpes and how colitis herpes could happen etc. Am I getting ahead of myself? Aside from probably getting outbreaks is it actually dangerous to have herpes and IBD?


Thanks,
1Wish

If you have latent pathogen, like tuberculous or Hep C, go on biologics then it is possible that the pathogen might awaken with renewed vigor now that the immune system is weakened. Often they screen for tb/hep-c before starting biologics for this very reason.

Yeah it's a good conversation to have with the docs for sure, because I imagine it could in some cases at least with the biologics. They generally do not test for tb/hep-c when starting immunomodulators (imuran/6mp), so maybe awakening something latent is less of a concern? Generally the immunomodulators are suppressing white blood cells so it's a bit different.

I've taken a couple of immunosuppressants (for Lupus), including Imuran and Cellcept. While I don't have HSV2, I *do* have HSV1 (oral herpes). Even while on the immunosuppressants for longer periods (up to 2 years) I did NOT have an increase in symptoms or outbreaks.

Hope that helps.