Methotrexate vs Imuran?

[sr877378]

Hi,

22 years old, female, diagnosed with Crohn's colitis a couple months ago, I am 8 months or so into my first flare. So far I have been on Flagyl and am now on 7.2g of Mezavant with little improvement. 5 weeks on very very strict SCD diet and I've noticed some improvement, but mostly because I am eating so little. Now i have to decide whether Im going to start on Methotrexate or Imuran. I know a little about both but would love to hear any opinions or advice!

Thanks!

 

[rrhood1]

Hi sr! I've been on both Methotrexate and Imuran. The Imuran, with me (remember it can be different with everyone), gave me high fevers, joint pain and general not feeling well. I was on it with Humira. My GI stopped both Imuran and Humira as she didn't feel they were working well for me. She started me on Methotrexate and then added Remicade. They worked very well and put me into remission.

Now I have to stop the Remicade due to a thyroid problem. But I continue on the Methotrexate in hopes that it will keep me in remission.

The only side effect I've had from the Meth. is a headache once in a while.

 

[sr877378]

Hi rr, thanks for replying!! I had my appt today and my doctor is starting me on imuran while I taper my Mezavant. He says it has a better success rate in long run but he said i might experience some porblmes (probably like you had) and if that happens he will start me on meth. How long were you on the Imuran before you started having those symptoms? I will know what to look out for!

 

[rrhood1]

The fevers, joint pain and general sickness started about 6 months after I started the Imuran. The worst part was joint pain but I have a Rheumatologist that put me on Sulfasalazine which is like a miracle drug! I have no joint pain and haven't for 6 months now.

According to my GI, the Imuran & Humira hadmstartedmto clear up my bowel but did nothing for the other symptoms. Remicade took care of those. I don't know what I'm going to do without it.

 

[sr877378]

Hi again rr, thats good to know, I didnt realize side effects like that could take so long to begin I will defnitely be watching. I started the Imuran today and tapering my Mezavant so fingers crossed something good happens. I'm very sorry to hear about the thyroid cancer, are they starting you on something else or continuing with methotrexate to treat you?

 

[rrhood1]

I have to stop my Remicade but am able to stay on the Methotrexate and Sulfasalazine. Hopefully the Meth keeps me in remission. I hope the Imuran works for you. Take care!