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Imuran or Humira for Crohns

by Kris
(Cleveland, Ohio )

Hi I am 22 years old and I've has Crohns for 5 years now. I've only ever web on Pentasa with some steroids when I am flaring. However they put me on Imuran two and a half weeks ago and I've been extremely Ill since. stomach pains, and nausea. I haven't vommitted but the pain and uncomfortableness is unbearable. I don't want to be sick on Christmas. I got married six months ago and I would very much like to spend my first Christmas with my husband healthy instead of in bed. My doctor told me to split up the dosage but it hasn't helped. I feel as though there is now sharp pains in my abdominal area. Almost like gas pain that I can't get rid of.

Is there a better alternative? Would humira be better and easier to take? I'm worried about cost but if I need it cost shouldn't be the reason not to get it. What are the side affects of humira? My doctor assured me that Imuran had no side affects other then the possibility of getting cancer. So obviously they lied and I would like to hear from everyone else what works from them.




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Imuran or Humira for Crohns

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Dec 28, 2011
 Humira NEW
by: Kris

Thanks,
That sounds good. With the exception of the holiday and weekends I usually give up sugar all together because of the side effects (weigh gain/stomach aches). And during the week I usually stick to a 1200 calorie diet. Ive been trying to work out 2-3 times a week for 45min at a time. I just hope continuing this or being more strict about my diet will help my weight stay as it is now. I am actually trying to lose about 5 pounds but it seems impossible as the holidays were filled with cakes and fatty foods. Thanks for all your advice this makes me feel better.
Dec 28, 2011
 Imuran or Humira for Crohns NEW
by: Lydia D.


Pleased to hear that your doctor is doing something about it.

With respect to the weight gain. I would prepare for it, if you think that it is going to be a problem.

An idea would be not to buy anything sweet. So, no sweets, chocolates, colas and other fizzy drinks, no biscuits, no cakes hoarded at home. Ideally, you would cut out pure sugar from your diet completely. The likelihood of you gaining weight will be minimised if you also make sure that you include at least an hour's brisk walking/fitness into your day.

It is my experience that people who say that they don't eat much, are not counting all the calories they ingest and are kidding themselves. Don't let yourself be fooled that way. Keep a food and calorie diary and learn how many calories are in your food and adjust accordingly as you get better.

If you want cake then make carrot/banana/peach/apple/apricot cake at home. Halve the amount of sugar and use oil instead of butter or margarine - increase the bicarb.

I hope that the Humira works.
Dec 26, 2011
 Humira NEW
by: Anonymous

Thanks for all the advise,

My doctor lowered my dosage but the side affects did not go away so I have stopped taking the medication and will be starting humira soon. However I am now scared that I will gain weight. My doctor says there's no weight gain side effects and it says online that it is not a side effect but on a few blogs I read that some people randomly gained 40 pounds while exercising and eating low calorie meals. If I gain 40 pounds I would look ridiculous!
Dec 24, 2011
 Imuran or Humira for Crohns NEW
by: Lydia D.


You are having the same reaction to Imuran (aka Azathioprine, aka AZA) as I had.

Your doctor is irresponsible to tell you that it has not side-effects. It is a cytostatic, a toxic chemotherapy drug that works by killing off fast-growing cells. Granted the doses are lower than in cancer treatments, but how could it not have any other side-effects (except for potentially causing cancer)?

In addition, it is well known that there is a sub-set of patients that are not able to metabolise Imuran (prodrug) to 6-Mercaptopurine (actual drug/active agent). http://www.thedrugmonitor.com/azathioprine.html It is highly likely that you are one of these.

The Prometheus Labs in the USA have devised a TPMT test to determine whether or not a patient will tolerate Imuran. To be done prior to taking the drug. http://www.prometheuspatients.com/Products_Diagnostics.asp

As I understand it a low level of TPMT will result in higher drug toxicity, i.e. low intolerance to the purine analogues AZA and 6-MP. Your doctor should be aware of this.

Given your reaction, your doctor should immediately switch you to 6-Mercaptopurine. The chances of you tolerating 6-MP are a lot higher because it is further down the biochemical pathway. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azathioprine

I refer you to the clinical guidelines in your country. For example: http://clinicalevidence.bmj.com/ceweb/conditions/dsd/0416/0416_guidelines.jsp

I refer you to the following data bases for side-effects and drug (and supplement) interactions: www.drugs.com www.rxlist.com

All your symptoms are found here, where it says "seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side-effects...": http://www.drugs.com/sfx/imuran-side-effects.html

If you can't get your hands on some 6-MP prior to Xmas then I suggest that you ring or write to your doctor (e-mail, letter or Fax) and list all your side-effects with severity. He should suggest that you lower the dose to a level that reduces the side-effects, if at all possible.

Keep a patient food/mood/symptom/medication/supplement diary. This will help you better monitor your health and help you to communicate with your doctors.

Use the comparative pain scale (no pain 0, 10 excrutiating pain) http://www.tipna.org/info/documents/ComparativePainScale.htm

CDAI
http://www.ibdjohn.com/cdai/

Bristol Stool Scale
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bristol_Stool_Scale

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