Does Imuran work

[bathroom reader]

I know it's a silly question but not having been on anything for years, I am hesitant to start this drug given the potential side effects.

My GI is recommending it as I am prone to surprise bowel blockages, partially as a result of previous surgery with scar tissue.

 

[Entchen]

Imuran has been a huge help for me. I realized today that I have just gone a week or so with...(wait for it)...no pain!

Hair on my scalp fell out at a faster rate for about 4 months but it was not really noticeable (unless you saw my hairbrush!). That's really the only side effect of note that I experienced.

Good luck making a decision. Some people do experience more problems with Imuran, as with any strong medication.

 

[cat]

Hard one this is i know alot of people fair well on this. I was not so good joint pain, tired, hair loss was very bad i was thankful to be taken off it. All in all i had to give it a try as was in depair at the time. Everyone is different. All you have to do is make sure you keep to the blood tests, dont sit in the sun use a high factor sunblock first few weeks are the worst for some. Good luck!

 

[bathroom reader]

Imuran symptoms

Thanks for the response. I have had Crohn's disease for 30 years with one bowel re-section 20 years ago. I experience severe bowel obstructions generally once, twice a year. Enough to have to go to Emerg and get a hit of a morphine type drug to reduce the pain. Than a shot of prednizone to reduce the inflamation.

Then I go home and wait for the next attack. I have not been on any drugs otherwise for 15 years or more. I have the typical symptoms with the usual running to the bathroom ten times a day sometimes, cramps when eating or drinking the wrong stuff and then some days once, twice a day to the bathroom.

When last at Emerg. the surgeon suggested I see a GI as my GI retired 10 years ago and I have been winging it on my own ever since. It was either that or I go under the knife again which isn't a solution.

After visiting a GI and having a colonoscopy, he determined that with the inflamation and scarring that I am 5 years away from another surgery.

And that he suggested Imuran as a first choice to stay away from surgery. He did explain the potential side effects as rare as some may be and when I Googled(probably shouldn't have) the drug there were tons of comments on the negative side of it.

With winging it so long and overall I feel good, eat right, not underweight, I am just thinking I would stay the same course or at the very least get a second opinion.

Thanks

 

[xJillx]

Hi and welcome! I know the side effects of Imuran and other CD treatments sound scary, but as you said, the serious side effects are very rare. Also, every case has to be reported, but you don't know what circumstances of the case. If a person was reported being diagnosed with cancer while taking Imuran, who is to say that person doesn't have cancer in their family, is a heavy smoker, or sun worshiper. It's just something to think about. Also, you need to consider the risks of not treating your disease. Untreated Crohn's disease causes cancer, as well.

You have a lot to think about and it is a decision only you could make. Perhaps, it wouldn't hurt getting a second opinion to get some more insight. Good luck!

 

[ameslouise]

Hi and Welcome!

Just like our disease is different with each one of us, so are the treatments - some work for some people and don't for others - for every drug out there!

I don't have any personal experience with Imuran but wanted to wish you good luck!

- Amy

 

[RFarmer]

Working for me! No side effects, getting to remission! Woohoo!

 

[bathroom reader]

Imuran

Thanks again for your support. I think I'll get a second opinion and go from there.

I'll keep you posted.

 

[vickyhunter]

I've been on it for almost 7 years and I was in remission for 6 years with a few minor blips at the moment (dose has been increased now). I would definitely recommend it
xxxxxxx

 

[bathroom reader]

Imuran side effects and does it work

Thanks Vicki, I just picked up the prescription today. I'll keep you posted.

Thanks again
Dean

 

[hawkeye]

I've been on it for 20 years +/- and no ill effects except for headaches when the dose was changed too fast.

 

[Tanachild]

I was on it for about three days and it made me so sick. I had really bad stomach pains within the first fifteen minutes of taking it and then I was down and unable to move for an hour afterwards. I also tried to split the dosages up, but it didn't help, so my doctor took me off of it and on to 6MP. I really hope it works for you! Good luck!

 

[crazycanuck]

I am still on it with Remicade. I was on Imuran alone for about 4 months but after some extremely stressful events, which seem to be my major trigger, Imuran alone wasn't working and thats when I was switched. It did work wonders for me in the begining though.