6mp change in dosage

[myboy12]

So I took my son to his GI today for blood work and to discuss some symptoms that could indicate a flare. This past week he developed a canker sore and had a few bouts of nauseousness, along with being tired for several weeks. He has been off Prednisone for 1 month and has been on 50mg of 6mp and 3000mg of Pentasa for over 2 months.

Well, his SED rate was up and his Hemaglobin down indicating mild disease activity. We are still waiting for the results to see where his 6mp levels are, but in the meantime, his 6mp dosage is increased to 75mg on alternating days.

Is it typical to have to 6mp levels adjusted? Really worried this drug is not going to work for him.:ymad:

 

[CrohnsChicago]

Hi there myboy12,

The alternating days dosage is not something I have in depth knowledge of but I just wanted to say that it is common to have your 6mp levels adjusted. Usually this is based on TPMT levels observed via Prometheus blood tests that your GI should regularly check for every few months. 6mp doses are also weight-based. So if there is a fluctuation in weight gain/loss, it can affect how well your body accepts the medication. Certain side effects may also cause a doctor to readjust medication.

For example my most recent TPMT testing showed questionable levels with regards to how well my body was accepting the drug. My last dosage increase earlier last year also seemed to have a contribuing factor to my hair thinning. Based on these two observations my GI opted to lower my 6mp dose back down to what it was before and my hair thinning has begun to reverse a little. I also am due to get another TPMT test to see if it is still keeping me in clinical remission.

I see your son was only recently diagnosed. The whole trial and error process of treating this disease can be very exhausting mentally and emotionally, especially on the patient who has to experience the symptoms. It's good to see that he has a very caring mom by his side for support. Wishing you all the best in figuring out a solution for your son very soon. :hug:

 

[shernuff]

Hello! I've been on 6-MP since the day after surgery in 2008. I've had numerous dosage changes depending on where I'm living and what my life is like (I was in college when I was diagnosed, worked for a while, and am now working for my doctorate). I started at 50mg then was upped to 50 mg one day, 75mg the next. After about a year of that, my doctor increased me to 100mg a day and its the best I've ever felt. My doctor explained to me that the dosage changed so much at the beginning because of my body and the blood work that was coming back. After having my dosage changed so much in the first 2 years, I've been on 100mg for almost 4 years with no changes.

I should also note that 6 MP (along with B12 injections) is the only medication I take for Crohn's.

 

[Catherine]

My daughter takes the sister drug aza. She started at 50 mg and varies times she has been on 75mg, 100mg, 125mg and her current level of 150mg.