New Diagnosis-6MP/baseline labs

[AverysMom]

We had our initial consultation yesterday to discuss meds and our dr seems adamant that 6 MP is the route we should start, while continuing the prednisone taper until May. I had done a bit of research so I was very surprised when she said we would get labs 2 weeks after starting; I assumed some baseline labs were needed. I questioned about the Prometheus labs and got her to order them. What is standard? Should I wait for results prior to starting? Also on our paperwork for 2 week labs there is only a CBC and CMP, are there not other metabolite panels to check? This is all so scary

 

[Jmrogers4]

Seems like each doctor does his own thing.
My hubby's doctor never did baseline. But did do a prometheus after a few months on Imuran. I think he still does them once in a while to check and he has been on Imuran for 8 years!
Jack's did a baseline then 2 weeks then 1 month then 3 months then 6 months then 1 year. The prometheus can be kind of expensive and insurance doesn't like to pay for too many of them in a certain time period. The CMP should give them some idea if things are off since it checks the level of so many things.
My little penguin can probably tell you more but if I remember right Jack's GI always said something about liver being good after each CMP
My hubby gets CMP every 3 months and I know a couple of times based on that they have had him go back in 2 weeks for another draw as they say his liver levels are elevated, always back to normal at 2nd draw.

 

[CeeCeeGo]

Hello

Here is some info from the NACC in the UK....

What checks will I need?
It is important to have regular blood tests while you are on azathioprine or mercaptopurine At the start of treatment you will need a Full Blood Count (FBC) and a Liver Function Test (LFT). This is because azathioprine and mercaptopurine can suppress normal bone marrow function and may occasionally cause liver problems.
These tests may be repeated weekly at first, then monthly until you are on your maintenance dose, and finally on a three monthly basis. Some doctors prefer to take a Full Blood Count every 2-4 weeks for two months, and then every 4-8 weeks.
Some centres offer a blood test before treatment to measure an enzyme called TPMT (Thiopurine Methyltransferase). This test can help to predict who is more likely to experience side effects with azathioprine or mercaptopurine. However, it cannot identify everyone who might be affected, so you will still need regular treatment monitoring and blood tests.

Hope it helps. The TPMT test is worth having before you start. Once you start treatment it is important that your liver function tests are checked regularly (preferably weekly) for the first couple of months.
I hope that the med works.

 

[kh216]

I agree with everything CeeCeeGo posted. You can certainly ask your doctor about taking the TMPT test but whether you take it or not, blood work will be done on a regular basis to measure blood count, liver function and C Reactive Protein. I know you are anxious but I can tell you that others on this board, including myself, have done very well on 6mp. The side effects of Prednisone are far worse and doctors do not want people on it for a long term basis. When people are diagnosed with Crohn's, doctors want to treat it and prevent it from getting worse by either prescribing an immunosuppressant, like 6mp, or one of the biologic medicines. I hope everything goes well.