Has anyone here made a successful switch from Imuran to Entyvio or Stelara?

Hi everyone, I just had a regular check up with my GI today and was asking him about other alternatives to Imuran as I'm concerned about the long term risk. I've been on Imuran for 6 years now. He mentioned Entyvio and Stelara as other safer options.. has anyone here switched from Imuran to either of these meds? I know everyone is different but am curious to know about your experience.

My doc said we can try to taper Imuran slowly and then if necessary he would switch me to one of these meds. He also said he believes in the saying 'if it isn't broken, don't fix it' as I'm in remission and last colonoscopy was in Dec with clear results but he said it's my choice of course. Honestly I feel like I'm in a dilemma as I'm not sure it's a wise idea to rock the remission boat..on the other hand I need a maintenance drug long term so need to think about possible side effects too. I guess I'm also curious to know what you would do if you were in my shoes. Would you stick with Imuran or make a switch? Thanks.

I have never tried any biologics so have no idea if they will be effective. It's definitely a gamble at this point. I noticed that you're taking Xeljanz in your sig.. my doc didn't mention that med when I asked about safer alternatives for me. After looking it up, it seems like it's also an immunosuppressant.. I assume it's in the same category as Imuran or is it known to possibly have less serious side effects long term? Also, glad to hear you're off steroids!

I wouldn't switch unless it stops working or you have issues with it. My former GI told me he had patients on Imuran for a long time without issues -- one was on it for 30 years at that point. It's hard to find meds that work so I agree with "don't rock the boat".

Thanks everyone, I definitely am doing well with the current meds and I still remember how bad it was when I was flaring and trying to get off of prednisone. The only thing I'm concerned about is the long term risk of immunosuppressants but I guess there's risk with all kinds of meds. Just wish I could get back to only being on mesalamine..this is an experiment I have not tried after success with imuran.

straydog.. I take 75 mg daily and get lab work done every quarter.