Long term 6 mp?

[Dutch941]

Has anyone here been using 6mp for an extended period of time? Specifically anyone who used it during their growing years. 10 to 18 years of age??
I'm looking for information from someone who has been through this......we are very freaked out by putting our son on this drug long term...told we have no other viable alternative at this point...........
Anyone with knowledge of long term effects who would share their story would be appreciated
....thanks...
Don

 

[vickie_x]

Hi
Sorry I can't be much help regarding long term etc. as I have only started 6-MP today. I too am terrified of how it may affect me (I'm 17) but knowing it's the only real option for me other than letting things progress until I need surgery makes me willing to try it.

Hopefully someone here can give you some more help with long term effects but good luck for the future, I hope your son is doing okay

 

[Dutch941]

Thanks Vicki......how long did you take the aza?

 

[vickie_x]

I only took azathioprine for 2 weeks before they discovered I am intolerant and took me off it but they are hopeful I'll tolerate the 6MP better as it is apparently the purer form

 

[Jennifer]

I started taking 6mp when I was about 14 and I'm still taking it at 29. It can be used long term with no ill effects you just have to get blood work done often (I get mine done once a month now since the dose was raised to 75mg from 50mg but eventually I'll have it done less often). I've never had any side effects from it and neither did my sister who also has Crohn's (she was around 15 when she started taking 6mp but she no longer takes any medications for reasons of her own choosing). In my opinion its not a scary drug and its one of the few I've done very well with (been in remission for many years on it).

 

[DustyKat]

My daughter has been on the parent drug, Imuran, since she was 14, she is now 20. At the time of it's commencement she had not gone through puberty and being on the drug did not affect her growth or development, the untreated Crohn's did though prior to her diagnosis. She has had no side effects and she has been in remission since commencing it, she did also have surgery at the same time.

My son is also on Imuran, he started at 17 and is now 18. He is also in remission, has no side effects from it and it has not affected his growth and development. He also had surgery and has developed further and grown in height since that time.

Dusty. xxx

 

[Dutch941]

Thanks Crabby

crabby, thank you so much for the information...that is exactly What we were looking for information on.........we would love to hear more stories of success with 6mp if anyone has some......best of luck to you.......thanks again.

 

[uhmayzing]

I've been on 6MP for 6 months. It hasn't gotten me to remission yet, but I'm definitely closer to it than I was when I was only taking Asacol. Doing bloodwork is very important especially when you first start it to make sure your body is tolerating it well. And it is far less risky to take it long term (if you are tolerating it well) than steriods or doing nothing at all. Good luck in making your decision, and always voice your concerns to your doctor...they are there to help you make the right choice!

 

[Dutch941]

Well...he has been using the 6mp for about a month now..50 mg. for about 3 weeks.....blood work showed an elevation of liver enzymes although not huge...I think his number was 87...not sure which enzyme that was yet.....anyway....testing in 2 weeks to see if this continues and then I guess we lower the dose to see if that solves the issue.....fingers crossed.....I'm very concerned about harming his liver in addition to alleged lymphoma risks