Remicade & 6MP help.

[Starscream613]

Hey guys!

I was first diagnosed with Crohn's when I was 17. I was put on Remicade along with Methotrexate injections because, "although the 6MP and Remicade combo works great there is an increased risk of lymphoma in adolescent males." after I turned 20 or so I switched back to 6MP along with my Remicade. I was under the impression that I am on 6MP to prevent cancer...however, after doing some reading it sounds like I'm still at greater risk with this combo. I am now 21, at what age am I no longer considered an "adolescent" and "at higher risk" with this combo? If anyone is on this combo and could shed some light I would be very grateful.

Thanks!

 

[Clash]

I think a few of the studies listed the age to like 25 or 26. You can use Google Scholar or PubMed to search for articles on in creased risk for young males on combo therapy. Also, there has been a case in relation to methotrexate as well. I do believe the studies have shown that the risk remains whether you are on those meds together at one time(remicade + 6mp or Imuran or MTX) and if you have ever been on one and then the other. So combo therapy is not needed to increase the risk.

But the risk is small and the fatal cancer very rare. I think the statistics are that a non IBD healthy person has a risk of 2 in 10000 of getting the cancer. The use of these drugs increases that risk to 4 in 10000.

To put that in perspective research car fatality risk for people your age. You will see it is much higher.

In these situations, you have to weigh the risks against the benefits(under treated CD carries serious risks too) and quality of life.

Hope you find the answers you are looking for.

 

[Orchid]

You're still at higher risk, but we're talking the sort of odds where you have a better chance of winning the lottery or getting struck by lightning. 6MP isn't there to prevent cancer, it's there to prevent the body from developing antibodies against infliximab and dual therapy also has a notably higher chance of helping the patient obtain remission.