Newbie

[cwf5020]

I have some concerns about Imuran (as most people probably do).

Currently I am on 4000 mg of Pentasa and 9 mg of Entocort. I am doing quite well, but the second I try to wean off Entocort I flare. My doctor wants to get me off the steroids. He gave me a choice between Imuran, Humira, and Remicade, which I really don’t want to be on any of them, but at this point I’m sort of out of options.

I chose Imuran, because it’s a pill and less of a hassle as the other two options. I don’t know what dosage I will be on yet because I have not had the blood test done. I am very concerned about the potent side effects (especially because I’m a 23 year old male). My doctor seemed to think that I will be on Imuran from here on out, which I definitely do not like the idea of. Have any of you been on Imuran as a maintenance therapy? If so how long? Does Remicade/Humira have less long term side effects then Imuran when being used as a maintenance medication?

 

[littlemissh]

I am on imuran/azathioprine for maintenance - it is a maintenance drug. I have had no problems other than a slightly low white count. I have been on it since january and had only one infection which ended up requiring treatment. I have had no side effects. It has helped me come down in pred dose though had it increased 2 weeks ago as my symptoms were atarting to creep back. I feel it has definately helped me. I would rather take a pill which may give me a few issues but reduces the risk of my bowel being damaged and removed due to crohns...and has made me feel better.

 

[cwf5020]

Finally got all the blood work taken care of and I can pick the imuran up at the pharmacy tonight.

My Dr wants me to start at 150mg a day (I weight 135 lbs). Does anyone think that's alot?

 

[Lydia]

I am on 75 mg, and I weigh about 130. Dont worry about it though. Your doctor will be doing blood work and monitoring your condition to make sure you are on the right dosage.

 

[DustyKat]

My Dr wants me to start at 150mg a day (I weight 135 lbs). Does anyone think that's alot?

It is normally calculated at 2-2.5mg per kilo of weight. So the dosage of 150mg wouldn't be excessive.

Dusty. xxx