New to Imuran

[Civil69]

This has probably been asked a gazzilion times (sorry). My GI suggested I start Imuran once I taper off of prednisone. He said my GP can prescribe it. I hate the bounce around.

I have done some research, Google and the forum, and was wondering did you taper off of prednisone prior to introducing Imuran for maintenance and what the worst side effects that were experienced.

 

[theOcean]

I did. The side-effects are different for everyone, and I actually find they even change each time for me. The first time it was just some bloating and hairloss, and the second time it was bloating and acne and hairloss, and the third time it was just hairloss. (Hairloss which I've learned can be combatted by taking Biotin! I've done this and it works.)

I don't think tapering off of prednisone before going on Imuran is necessary, but I guess your GI is worried about you getting too immunosuppressed if you were on both. Why would they send you to a GP who isn't always familiar with Crohn's for your prescription, though?

 

[Civil69]

That is the frustrating part. I really hate being bounced around. I really dislike my GI also maybe he knows how I feel lol

 

[theOcean]

Are you able to look around for a new GI? Many of us have switched to new ones after being unhappy with them, myself included. We even have reviews here on the forum!

 

[hawkeye]

Tdid you taper off of prednisone prior to introducing Imuran for maintenance and what the worst side effects that were experienced.

I think I had tapered down to a lower prednisone dose (10-15 mg/day) when I started Imuran (it was over 23 years ago).

No side effects from almost 23 years of Imuran (I have been off of it for almost a year following a resection). A few side effects from the prednisone (various dosages) though. Increased appetite, insomnia, puffy face and acne.

 

[FrozenGirl]

I didn't start tapering off Pred until about 2 months into pred. Then I went down by 5mg, 2 weeks, another 5 ( or that was the plan. Imuran wasn't enough for me so I went on to Remicade) I don't think Pred and Imuran is that much immunosuppression. At one point I was on 125mg of Imuran, 20mg is Pred and 10mg/kg of remicade very four weeks and my GI didn't seem too worried

Side effects of Imuran: fatigue, worse at the start but got better, hair loss (maybe. Started when I was on multiple meds so I can't be sure it was the Imuran)

 

[Lam123]

The ocean, how much biotin do you take!

 

[theOcean]

The ocean, how much biotin do you take!

1000/2000mcg a day! I found it really helped.

 

[DustyKat]

It does vary but you will find many GI’s prescribe Imuran at the same time that Prednisone is commenced. The theory behind is is that Prednisone is fast acting and hopefully will control and eliminate the inflammation to the point that you achieve remission. Now the thing is Pred is not a long term maintenance medication but Imuran is. The issue with Imuran is it takes at least 8-12 weeks, and for some longer than this, to become fully therapeutic. So…Prednisone for 8-12 weeks, including taper, and when that is done the Imuran is ready to take over where it left off.

@theOcean - I don’t know how things work in the UK but in Aus it is not unusual for the GP to do all the leg work under the instruction of the GI. Our GP writes all the kids scripts, orders bloods, tests, etc.

Dusty. xxx

 

[Lam123]

The ocean, how long till you saw a difference?

 

[Civil69]

Yup, Dr extended prednisone with the addition of Imuran.....cautiously opptimistic :-/