Dose question

[BlackLotus]

I weigh 130lb, and my dr put me on 125mg of Imuran. However, my CD is very mild so does it make sense for me to be taking this much or could I thrive on like 50-75mg?

 

[DJW]

I'd follow the doctors orders and call to discuss it.

 

[BlackLotus]

Yeah I was planning on talking to my GI, but wanted to get the forum's opinion on the matter. I think it's the common prescription to take Xmg where X <= your weight in pounds?

 

[Patricia56]

Yes I believe the current formula for 6-MP is 1.5mg/kg/day.

The problem with going with a lower dose is that you won't know if it works or doesn't for 1 to 3 months. Then if you need to increase your dose you are looking at another 1 to 3 months for it to become effective at that level.

And the metabolism of this drug is very complex so it's not necessarily just as straightforward as a change in mg produces X result.

Here's an article that discusses the dosing of AZA and 6-MP in case you are interested in reading a technical discussion of the issue.

http://gut.bmj.com/content/48/5/591.full

This article was published in 2001 and there may be some more recent guidance - I didn't find any but that doesn't mean that actual practice hasn't changed.

I would do what your doctor suggests frankly. Perhaps once you see if this drug works for you you can try going down in dosage.

 

[Sailorluna]

i weigh around 155 and took 150mg until switching to methotrexate after 3 years

 

[Catherine]

My understanding to the standard dose of Imuran is 2-2.5mg per kg.

My DD is currently taking 150mg per day. Her weight is 54kg (119lb)

 

[SupportiveMom]

Patricia said it well regarding a lower dosage. My daughter is on the same dosage as Catherine's and she is now 92 lbs.