Imuran question

[Tamara]

I am due to restart imuran again after having a years break due to my surgery, I was taking imuran at 100mg for about 4.5 years prior to the surgery with no issues at all. My GI wants me to go back to the previous level and get a blood test done 2 weeks after starting which is fine except that I am going to Japan for two weeks next week so couldn't get the blood test. My GI was insistent that I needed the blood test 2 weeks after starting the meds but given that my inflammation is severe I'm not sure if leaving everything untreated until I get home is the best idea. I'm wondering if I should start the imuran whilst I'm away so that I can have the 2 week blood test when I get back home. My only concern is that I may have some dodgy side effects this go round and I don't want that to happen overseas.
Has anyone initially tolerated imuran come off it and had to go back on? What were your experiences?

 

[David]

I can understand your doctor's desire for the blood test to make sure there aren't any serious side effects. The thing is, Imuran can literally take months to kick in. If you're as bad as you say, the Imuran probably isn't going to do much for you while you're in Japan. I'm not sure what the best course of action is though.

 

[Tamara]

Thanks David, I ended up erring on the side of caution and I'll start taking them now I'm home again. I didn't want to end up with side effects in a country where I can't speak the language! Hopefully it will kick in relatively quickly

 

[mdstuart]

The issue with Imuran is that it can cause your white blood cells to crash, thus creating a perfect storm for infection (while at the same time lowering your body's defense and inflammation, which is why this drug works so well with Crohn's). It is a good idea to have your blood checked routinely, but maybe you can have it drawn the day beofre you leave and once you get back. Like David said, Imuran can take MONTHS to kick in, so your unlikely to have problems in the next 2 weeks, especially since you have had it in the past.