What are the side effects of Purinethol (6mp)

[crohns5]

Hello everyone, I'm new to this site. I've had UC/Crohns for 25 years. I'm 47 yr old female and my GI is going to start me on Purinethol (6mp). I've read some things about this drug and I'm very nervous about starting it. He wants to start me on 75 mg. I've been on Azathioprine (150 mg) and Lialda for several years but I'm not tolerating the Aza well anymore. I guess I'm looking for any kind of feedback on this drug. Thanks very much

 

[Terriernut]

6MP and Aza are very close to the same thing. Aza is broken down into 6MP in the liver.

I'm curious what happened with the Aza when you said you werent tolerating it anymore?

 

[crohns5]

GI tried to increase Aza from 150 to 175 mg. (I don't know why) The nausea and overall "ill" feeling was overwhelming for me. I went back to 150mg and everything seemed fine. My last colonoscopy looked good but after last blood work was done, GI called and wanted me off Aza because not metabolizing it well anymore?? Said they want to start me on Perinethol 75mg.

 

[Terriernut]

Ahh,thats why 6mp then. Because it's already 'processed' Aza.

Dont worry about 6mp being any worse than Aza, as it really is pretty close to the same drug.

 

[tanyasf]

Hi Terriernut-

I saw here that 6mp and Aza are pretty close. My husband is getting ready to start one of these and the wiki drug page in this forum said Aza is less toxic. Do you or anyone reading this know more about this?
Seems like people are started on Aza first, is that true?

Thanks,
Tanya

Husband diagnosed with Crohn's at Ileum in 2000
one year Asacol
Resectioned in 2011
Inflammation now, ready to start meds...

 

[Terriernut]

I dont know that one is less toxic than the other to be honest! Azathioprine is the choice most GI's go to first. For all I know it may be less expensive?

 

[kh216]

I think it depends on the preference of the doctor. Some prefer Azathioprine; others prefer 6mp.

 

[Dasha123]

Been on 75 mgs for 10 years now. I am a 40 year old female who has has the disease 23 years. I had one flare-up that required surgery within my first 3 years on the drug. Been in remission for 7 years now. I am not sure if the drug is helping or not, I assume it is. I told my GI that I was nervous of the side effects and he told me that the risk is low and the benefits of me enjoying a better quality of life far outweigh the risks. I did try Imuran first for a few months, but felt ill on it. Switched to purinethol and only have had dry mouth and thirst. My hair also falls out quite a bit, but I also dye it often and assume it's the damage from that hair products etc..

 

[amien]

was on 6mp since initial diagnosis almost 9-10 years ago when i was 12,
50 mg nightly. was on it for 8 years and was in pretty much remission for all those years, until it affected my liver (enzymes) skin (had alot of moles removed) and sun sensitivity, i also remember when starting/restarting it i would get extremely nauseas. feeling tired, and not wanting to really do anything. other than that i was in remission, but at the cost of other things, i guess you really have to choose the lesser of two evils sometimes lol