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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 12/18/2007 8:07 PM (GMT 0)
How many of you have been on 6-MP and/or done a decent amount of research into it? I've been doing quite a bit and found that one of the delayed effects are that it could cause cancer.

http://www.healthtouch.com/bin/EContent_HT/drugShowLfts.asp?fname=usp0537.htm&title=6-MP&cid=HT


Its a brief line under the "Side effects of this medication" section. I haven't been able to find any additional information about this ANYWHERE else so it seems that this fact is a bit hush hush. Does anyone have any more info on this?

k thnks
-360

BTW im new here hi
Posted 12/18/2007 8:34 PM (GMT 0)
Hi 360, welcome to Healingwell :) Yes, I've seen that too on some websites about that possibility as well as my GI informing me that in rare cases Lymphomas were reported. At the time I started it, which it took 3 months of debating, I was at the point where I was willing to take my chances of that I may or may not get cancer for a medicine that may allow me to get my life back. The way I look at it is, almost everything it seems nowadays causes cancer. But just like everything else we do, this is very much a personal choice and no one can say what is right and what is wrong. Are you on 6mp? Considering it? Do you have Uc?
Posted 12/18/2007 9:42 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Sherry,

I was diagnosed with UC in 2003. Since then I've been on Asacol, Prednoesone (uuuggghhhh), and some enemas whos name I cant remember. Docs have been pushing 6mp since the beginning and once a year or so I look into it and remind myself why I haven't agreed to take it. Im in a half-flare state right now, not bad enough to need serious meds but it could go in either direction any day, so these kinds of things are on my mind.


Im extremely skeptical of GI's as I've never really had one that I believe really gives a crap (no pun intended). They have always said that I have to be on something all the time or else Ill never stop flaring. Despite this, I've gone for long periods of time without any problems, using mostly herbal and personal treatments.

I have an appointment with my GI coming up and I'm kind of preparing to defend my reason for not wanting to be on crappy drugs if I don't have to. I didn't know about the 6MP/Cancer problem and plan on bringing that up. He wont let me go back on Pred because he says it is causing bone density problems, not that I'm keen on steroids either. I try not to get to frustrated but its difficult when you just want your life back.
Posted 12/18/2007 9:53 PM (GMT 0)
Hi $360, and welcome to HealingWell. It's a real dilemma and a personal choice to opt which meds we want to take. Long term use of Pred has it's drawbacks too. By the way, what does, "I'm in the black lodge" mean? Good luck with finding the best meds for you. I hope you and your GI can work together to find something that will work.
Posted 12/18/2007 11:30 PM (GMT 0)
I'm a little confused. If you're committed to not taking meds, why waste your time and money going to a GI? Medical treatment is what they offer, so I'm not sure what you think the doctor can do for you.

Yes, after a really bad stress fracture and avascular necrosis in both shoulders, I'd opt for anything (including surgery) over Prednisone. But that's an individual choice.
Posted 12/19/2007 1:25 PM (GMT 0)
I've been on 6mp for twenty years now. Whatever, now with Remicade, I'm a human test pilot. I'll probably end up getting hit by a car on my bike anyhow, or going off a cliff on my mountain bike, or get eaten by a bear on one of my hiking trips. So I'm not worried about it. I go 100mph everyday. yeah
Posted 12/19/2007 8:28 PM (GMT 0)
I was talking to a pharmacist about my Imuran (metabolizes into 6MP) and she told me the odds of getting cancer - I don't remember exactly but it was somewhere in the ballpark of a few in 10,000 people.
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