Advice on the effects of immunosuppressant's

[muirheadm]

Hi there,
I am new to this site but found it very informative and hence decided to join. I have had Crohns desease for around 5 years now with a full removal of my colon. Prior to been diagnosed i was weighing 90kg. I then fell ill and my weight plummeted to 75kg at the time of my operation to have the colon removed. Since then there has been a steady increase in weight.

I have been on Azapress daily and Entocord every other day for about two years now and hope that by my next check-up i will be in remission and finally be able to come off the meds.

My question concerns the impact of the immunosupressant's if taken long term in fear that these might lead to other complications like cancer etc. How long can one remain on the azapress at 100mg per day as its been two years already?

Secondly can one use a anabolic steroid such as testosterone or Deca-Durabolin whilst taking the Azapress? I do not know if there is any other bodybuilders on the forum that might be in my position but as i am trying to pick my weight up to where i originally was i was considering a low dose of one of these two. My fear is that whilst my immune system is suppressed that it might have a negative effect if anabolics are taken. Can administrating any of these drugs worsen the Crohns?

I would really appreciate the feedback.

 

[Angrybird]

Hello muirheadm and welcome :bigwave: I do not have experience with these meds so could not advise but perhaps check out our treatment forum to get some further info there. The risk with being on a (potentially) working med it that if you then come off it you are then obviously running the risk of the crohns flaring up. It would be best to ask about this at your next appt and see if it is perhaps worth weaning down to a lower maintainence dose rather than coming of the med competely, you at least know if the tum doesnt like it if you start getting symptoms as you lower the dose.....

 

[David]

Hi there and welcome.

While I've read ANECDOTES that anabolic steroids haven't made Crohn's worse, as someone who did a cycle in his earlier years and knows what they can do to the body, I would stay far, far away. Your body is already taxed by this disease, your body is already having a hard time getting nutrients (thus your lack of weight gain). Your liver is already fighting a fight. As for your Azathioprine (Azapress) and roids, there have been no studies but a quick google search finds a few sites where people talk about using both. But frankly, I think it would be crazy to play with that kind of fire. No offense intended.

I wish you all the best.