Imuran/Entocort

[Binka]

Hi everyone!
This is the first time I am posting here.... I was just diagnosed with Crohns earlier this year. The Dr. prescribed Imuran (3 tablets a day) and after approximately 2 wks on it I was feeling so sick that I stopped. When I was able to get to my doctor, he then prescribed Entocort. The Entocort (also 3 a day) didn't upset my system and I felt okay on it... but had some weight gain....(about 10 lbs or so)...The doctor then prescribed 2 capsules per day as my inflammation seemed to subside.

Now you have to understand that prior to having a routine colonoscopy, I had NO IDEA that I had Crohns'.... I had had no symptoms! (I know I'm lucky)... so the fact that I now have to take serious medication really disturbes me.... On the other hand I don't want to have things get worse.....

I am very averse to taking a steroid long term and am going to try the Imuran again - 1 tablet for preventative measures....

What do you think? This is so confusing for me....... I also have Graves disease and as Imuran is an anti-inflammatory and is used for auto-immune disorders, I'm hoping that it will help both?????:sign0085:

 

[DustyKat]

Hi Binka and :welcome:

Entocort isn't as nasty as Prednisone but a steroid nonetheless so you are right in not wanting to take it for an extended period of time.

Do you know if you had the TPMT blood test before commencing Imuran?
If you didn't then that should be your first move, it will give you an indication of how well your liver is going to break down the drug. If you have the enzyme needed in sufficient quantities then you shouldn't suffer the more serious side effects.

When you say it made you feel sick do you mean nauseous? I know quite a number of people here have suffered with that side effect initially but it usually starts to subside after a couple of weeks or so.
Your dose of Imuran should be based on your weight, not steroid based weight though, and is calculated at 2-2.5mg per kilo. Too much may give you unwanted side effects and not enough may be of little use to you.

I don't know much about treatment for Grave's disease but I don't think Imuran is used for it. Since it affects the thyroid gland I think treatment targets it differently to IBD.

Good luck and keep us posted!

Dusty. xxx

 

[Binka]

Thanks for your reply,

When I started the Imuran last time, my eyes (which are affected by the Graves) got much better....(less puffiness etc...) maybe it was a coincidence but nonetheless, I will see what happens now.

I will continue on this low dose of Imuran until my next visit with my doctor - last blood work he did, my inflammation had subsided - so we'll see what happens...

My life has become the timing of meds/doctor's visits/combatting side effects from the various stuff I'm on..... so I'm just trying to do the least of the necessary evils...

:ybatty:

 

[Feather]

Binka,

How often does your doctor monitor your bloodwork while on Imuran? I think it's really important, especially when first starting to take the medication, to have them checked frequently to make sure that your body is handling it well. I'm on a pretty low dose that is working well for me, but my doctor had to adjust the dose a bit in the beginning because my white count got too low. I hope all goes well!