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

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Ulcerative Colitis
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LookingForAnswers7
Regular Member
Joined : May 2015
Posts : 83
Posted 8/18/2021 9:42 AM (GMT -8)
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.
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Sara14
Veteran Member
Joined : Mar 2007
Posts : 7543
Posted 8/21/2021 5:37 AM (GMT -8)
I wouldn't switch. But I didn't have much luck with the biologics.
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LookingForAnswers7
Regular Member
Joined : May 2015
Posts : 83
Posted 8/21/2021 5:36 PM (GMT -8)
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!
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cathbrighton
Regular Member
Joined : Nov 2013
Posts : 157
Posted 8/21/2021 10:48 PM (GMT -8)
When it comes to ulcerative colitis, I wouldn't rock the boat! I've just started Humira and it's so easy to administer. Great results so far and my energy levels after one month are suddenly so much better. After 6 years, it is possible to forget how horrendous a flare up is! I'm so happy to feel better after two years of constant flaring .... Good luck with your decision...

Cx
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CCinPA
Veteran Member
Joined : Dec 2014
Posts : 2458
Posted 8/22/2021 5:34 AM (GMT -8)
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".
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straydog
Forum Moderator
Joined : Feb 2003
Posts : 19261
Posted 8/22/2021 6:20 AM (GMT -8)
What milligram of Imuran are you on & are you having lab work done on a schedule? I agree with the others if you are not having issues, stay with it. If you start having problems, Entyvio would be my first choice.
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LookingForAnswers7
Regular Member
Joined : May 2015
Posts : 83
Posted 8/22/2021 8:18 AM (GMT -8)
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.
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straydog
Forum Moderator
Joined : Feb 2003
Posts : 19261
Posted 8/22/2021 5:09 PM (GMT -8)
Your dose is on the low side, as long as your liver enzymes stay normal & you are in remission I wouldn't let it stress me out. Enjoy feeling good & take advantage of it. There's a member in the crohns forum that has been on Remicade 20 years, doing great & enjoying life. This member checks in once a year to keep us updated in that forum.
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