What's usually next after Mercaptopurine?

[Dylan]

what's usually next after Mercaptopurine?

Hello everyone - hope you can help. I've been on Mercaptopurine for around 7 weeks now and seen no difference. This is after trying Azathioprine, Budesonide, Mesalamine, and Prednisolone. The only thing that worked is Prednisolone, but I was getting bad side effects. Just wondered what people have been put on after Mercaptopurine - sometimes feel like my consultant isn't that helpful/too busy so would be good to go armed with information! Thank you :ybiggrin:

 

[Astra]

Hiya Dylan
and welcome

Yeah I've been on those lot too!
Check out our subforums - Remicade Club (called Infliximab in UK) and the Humira Club
These are called biologics, read all about them in there.
NICE guidelines (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) state that when you've exhausted all other meds and depending on your Primary Care Trust and where you live, you might be eligible for these drugs.
They cost about 2 grand a go!
It's a postcode lottery tho! But do a bit of Scooby Dooing and get yourself armed with some ammo!
Good luck and lotsa luv
Joan xxx

 

[DustyKat]

Hi Dylan,

It normally takes 6MP/Imuran at least 3 months to become fully therapeutic and for some as long as 6 months so you may need more time.

The next step from the immunosuppressives is normally what is called the biologics... Humira, Remicade, Cimzia. I'm don't think Cimzia is available in the UK yet. Humira is an injection which you give yourself at home fortnightly and Remicade is an infusion that you would get at your local hospital and is normally given every 8 weeks.

Unfortunately Pred often works well but as you say, the side effects can be nasty and it is only mean't as a short term drug anyway, not as long term maintenance.

Good luck!

Dusty. xxx

 

[Dylan]

Hi Joan and Dusty,
Thanks so much both of you for your advice – it was really nice to come back on here to see positive replies! It’s good to know there’s an alternative medication before any surgery – going to get reading up on it before my next consultation. Also good to know not to give up completely on the Mercaptopurine for now – will keep staying patient and positive for another few weeks then!
Thanks again and hope all is well with you,
Dylan