6mp

[xoxava]

Just got back from the doctor and had a few questions! I've tried asacol, apriso, colazal which failed now he wants to start me on 6mp (didn't say which one) and entocort because the only time I felt good and had less symptoms was on prednisone. My upper gi/small bowel xray was good. My small bowel was good. I have thickening on the right side of my colon and I have severe acid reflux. I go for a blood test to make sure 6mp is safe for him to start me on. He also said I had increased chance of infections (I already have a low immune system) and a chance of lymphoma. Anyone on 6mp with advice? Is this a good decision for me to go with? I hope this is something that will work! He told me how my body is one that is steroid dependant and that's why minus the side effects I felt good on prednisone. Any input/opinions would be great thank youuuu!!

 

[Manzyb]

Hi Ava!

This whole medication thing is such a trial and error process!! It can be very frustrating. I think you should try it. It's better trying this first then to go right to the more expensive (biologic) medications.

I took 6 MP for about 6 weeks, it made me really sick, but REMEMBER EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT!! Lots of people do great on it.

I also tried Imuran and only lasted a week on it as it made me very sick and again, blood counts went a little crazy.

I think you should try it, your doctor will monitor you to make sure that everything is okay.

I'm sure there are lots of people with more encouraging stories than mine, though!!!

 

[Jennifer]

6MP itself doesn't make me sick, in fact I have no side effects from it. The problem is like you said, it lowers your immune system. I took it for over 10 years with no problem and never even got the flu but then stopped taking it for a couple of years because my insurance stopped paying for it. Now they're paying for it again so I was put back on it (50mg) about 3 months ago and I get almost every Tom Dick and Hairy cold that comes my way. I believe the drug just takes some getting used to but the sickness and cold season should go away but how long that takes really depends on the person.

It's up to you. Do your best to stay away from sick people though if you decide to go on it and wash your hands like mad (wear a mask if you have to).

 

[braveheart]

I think 6mp is the best drug for long term treatment of CD.

You have to be careful at the beginning, regular blood test are required. They will check your white corpuscles amount. They will low in number, but you will be fine.

 

[littlemissh]

I have been on azathioprine(virtually the same as 6mp) for 1.5 weeks so far and had no side effects whatsoever. On pred as well so won't know fir sure how effective it us until pred tapered in 3 weeks. So far so good but obviously only time will tell if I get more infection.

 

[Entchen]

What a long road for you, Sweetie. I'm on Week 5 on Imuran and am only feeling better and better. It's entirely your choice, but I think it's worth considering 6MP.

 

[5 iron]

Hi xoxava My surgery was late July 2010 and in Oct I started Mercaptophine 50mg as my mainteinance drug, yea they blood test you alot in the begining,my test were all normal before I started,two weeks on 6mp my liver enzymes went crazy,doc told me to stop taking it for three days then start again,smart doc, now all my blood test are pretty close to normal,now all test every other month,no side effects xoxava,no increase in colds or flu.I agree with some the others thats it's a good long term med,this should get off you of the steriods, let us now how you are doing GOOD LUCK

Steve
Surgery July 2010
Currently on 50mg Mercaptophine

 

[steelerfan]

I have been on 6mp for 2-3 weeks now. (50mgs) Also on 20mg pred....waiting to see what happens.