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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 9/23/2007 9:36 PM (GMT -6)
hi all,

I've been taking Imuran for almost 5 months now and my uc doesn't seem to be getting any better. Any words of wisdom for me?

What is the next step in the treatment of uc if Imuran doesn't work?
Posted 9/24/2007 5:10 AM (GMT -6)
Has your doctor done a Prometheus test or a blood test to see how you are metabolizing the medication? If the dose you are on is the right one for your body? If so then the next step is Remicade.
Posted 9/24/2007 9:41 PM (GMT -6)
My GI is 2 hours away and I haven't even seen him since I started the Imuran. No bloodwork or anything. He's the closest doc to where I live and I pretty much feel like he couldn't give a crap less about me.

My doctor in town is a gp and seems to know next to nothing about uc. He actually had to get out a medical book last time I was there to check on treatments, which was pretty disheartening, ya know.

Anyway, thanks for the input.
Posted 9/24/2007 10:27 PM (GMT -6)

Dreamland, I've been on Azathioprine(generic for Imuran) for about 7mos. I'm doing not fantastic but ok. The bloodwork is very important. Someone needs to be watching that. I have mine checked quite often. Please get someone to check on your blood counts and liver function.

As far as what comes next, I'm really hoping I don't find out. I do know that a lot of people get on Remicade. But I know nothing about it.

Good luck

Donna

Posted 9/25/2007 9:51 AM (GMT -6)
Imuran can cause severe bone marrow depression (among other things). Get monthly blood work.

I was at 200 mg Imuran/day before I noticed anyting--that may be too much for you.

Remicade may not be the next step, there are other treatment options. Many here don't like it but have you tried prednisone to get you into remission?

Once in remission you need a maintenance drug to keep you there.

Also, instead of sulfasalazine you should consider a 5-ASA drug like Mesalamine.

Posted 9/26/2007 1:22 PM (GMT -6)
Yes, definitely get the blood work done.  My Imuran dose started at 75 mg, and I am now at 150!  I weigh 128 pounds, so its not necessarily one size fits all as far as size/dose. 

Depending on what other drugs you have tried...there are always other options out there. I found out with me, that the same thing that worked last time, doesnt necessarily work this time.

Good luck,

Michele

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