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Weird 6MP side effect?

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Posted 6/1/2010 10:51 AM (GMT -7)
Hello all. I have been taking 6MP for about a week now and seem to be tolerating it fairly well; however, I have noticed that I have to go to the bathroom much more frequently than I normally do. I am not drinking any more liquids than I usually do, but I have to pee about 15 times a day (I counted yesterday!). I am also on 10 mg of Prednisone, but I have been on the Prednisone for about 7 weeks and this didn't start happening until about 5 days ago, shortly after I started the 6MP. Has anyone else had a similar experience?
Thanks!
Bridget
Posted 6/1/2010 4:24 PM (GMT -7)
yes, i am on mercaptopurine and noticed increased urination as well.  i told my doc and he really didn't say much about it, so ??????  i don't really know what to think about it!
Posted 6/1/2010 4:49 PM (GMT -7)
Kate,
My doctor just called me about some test results, so I told him about the frequent urination thing. He also seemed disinterested. He said that it could be diabetes (which I know it is not b/c my husband is diabetic and I have been checking my blood sugar regularly since I went on prednisone) or a urinary tract infection (I don't think it is this either. I don't have any pain). He said I could follow up with my primary care physician if I want to. I'm trying to decide if it is worth it or not.
How long have you been taking 6MP? I've only been on it a week or so. Maybe it will go away as our bodies adjust to the medication?
Do you think it might have something to do with the 6MP-prednisone combo? Before starting the prednisone, I was retaining water like crazy and my feet, hands, and face were swollen; now that is all gone away because of the frequent urination.
Bridget
Posted 6/1/2010 5:52 PM (GMT -7)
I know 6mp takes considerable amount of time to truly get in your system and work...anywhere from 6 - 12 weeks if not longer. I've been on it for quite some time but never had the frequent urination before.
Posted 6/1/2010 9:55 PM (GMT -7)
It takes a few weeks before monitoring the 6MP blood level. I was in a bad flare and prescribed mercaptopurine in addition to the Colazal and Entocort. After two lab results, I was on 3 50mg tablets a day. My advice while on 6MP - insist the doctor do regular blood monitoring for the duration, not just till you reach a desired level. My gastro did not request further monitoring of me and, being the ignorant trusting patient, I didn't question. The 6MP finally got me out of the flare but not until going through some nasty side effects. It's a cancer medication. Powerful stuff to lower the body's immune system. Losing two family members to forms of anemia and having gone through a bout of iron deficiency anemia myself, bruising all over the body and peeing dark got my attention. Disinterest seems to be a requirement for gastros. Don't let them get by with it. Good luck.
Posted 6/2/2010 5:13 AM (GMT -7)
I am on both prednisone and 6MP and I don't have that side affect.
Posted 6/29/2010 6:05 PM (GMT -7)
I have been peeing 2x more than usual since starting 6mp. What's the story?
Posted 6/30/2010 6:08 AM (GMT -7)
Notsosickly girl,
I'm not sure what the deal is. I got all sorts of tests--urine and blood--and everything came back normal, so my primary care doc and I are figuring it is just a side effect of the 6MP. Apparently, some medicines can irritate your bladder--not cause an infection--just bother it so you can't retain urine (hence the nine hundred bathroom breaks). My primary care doc said that there are some medications that might help (I went from going to the bathroom maybe three times a day to going about 15 to 20, so I would like some relief!) but they cause constipation, so she thinks they might not be a good option.
I'm seeing my G.I. for my next Remicade treatment on Friday, so I am going to talk to him again and see if he has anything to add.
I am loathe to give up the 6mp b/c it seems to be working, but spending my life in the bathroom isn't much fun either (although it sure beats U.C.).
Have you talked to your doctor about it? Be prepared for blank stares! Polyuria isn't listed as one of the side effects, so it seems that doctors don't think they are related.
Posted 6/30/2010 8:39 AM (GMT -7)
I understand what you're saying but I think I would rather pee more often and not have to use Remicade. I can deal with peeing 10x a day although it can get a little overwhelming. It's especially annoying at work. At home, in the evenings, I don't seem to pee as often. I don't get up in the night or anything...
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