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HELP - Methotrexate or Mercaptopurine (6-MP)


Thu, May 24, 2012 1:18 PM

My 15 year old son is newly diagnosed with Crohns and has done well in the last month and a half with Flagyl and Prednisone. He does have a section of his Colon that is diseased  and swollen. Next step is an Immunomodulator  - either Methotrexate or Mercaptopurine. Both have a long list of side affects - especially disconcerting is the risk of Hepatosplenic Cancer (HSTCL) with 6-MP. Now as parents we have to choose between these drugs. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Some Notes: we have a great team of doctors working  in Chicago so we are in good hands. They work off the pyramid and will go to the biologics if the immunomodulator does not work. So want to focus on which immunomodulator is the most effective with the least side affects. Not looking for a debate on the top down method. 
 

FPO jpomal
Joined May 24, 2012

Thu, August 30, 2012 9:07 PM

 Reply posted for jpomal.

Our 5 year old has been on 6MP for almost 2 years now.  My cousin is a pharmacist and I spoke with her extensively before starting.  One of the items she pointed out, which our doctors have reiterated is that 6MP is a drug that has been around since World War II.  It has possible side effects, but it has been studied extensively so they have tested/know of the possibilities.  I know how scared you must feel.  It sometimes feels like what is worse, the disease or the treatment.  Hang in there. 

FPO momofahero
Joined Aug 30, 2012

Tue, August 14, 2012 8:43 AM

 Reply posted for jpomal.

Hello!
I know a lot of parents worry about the side effects of the medications.  For me it was a quality of life choice for my son.  Yes these medicines have serious side effects but so does having uncontrolled crohns or UC.  I am not sure if Azathioprine (Imuran) is a choice but it has worked great for my son who is now 11.  He has been on it since he was 7.  It takes a while to start working (a few monthes) and frequent blood draws initially.  Some people are able to do it with natural products and diet but after a second and third opinion and all 3 doctors saying Imuran is the way to go, I felt it was the best thing for my son.  Hope this helps.  Good luck to you.  I will keep you in my thoughts and please keep us updated!

FPO loving mother
Joined Nov 28, 2008

Fri, August 03, 2012 5:57 PM

 Reply posted for John 15 7.

I forgot to add to my previous  post that my son used to get fistulas on a regular basis and he has not had a fistaula in over 2 years thanks to Digestaqure. 
This aloe vera supplement has made our lives so much easier.

FPO john 15 7
Joined Aug 2, 2012

Fri, August 03, 2012 5:46 PM

 Reply posted for jpomal.

My son was on 6MP (Mercaptopurine) and I never liked the risk of him  taking it because it suppresses the immune system .   And, because it suppresses the immune system he eventually  got the H1N1 Virus.    We need a healthy immune system to get well and stay healthy.    In my opinion, anything that suppresses the immune system is not good for us.   My son started taking Digestaqure a highly concentrated form of aloe vera and has never been better. He also take Vitamin D3 for immune support along with 1000 mg of vitamin C and a multivitamin daily.   In addition, he drinks the Boost nutritional supplement to maintain his weight.      His GI  can not believe how well he's doing.  He test him annually and for the past 2 years - with no meds,  a healthy diet and taking the Digestaqure,  he's is doing great!
No bloody stools, no 8- 12 bowel movements a day and no abscesses.

 All Praises to God!

FPO john 15 7
Joined Aug 2, 2012

Fri, May 25, 2012 8:20 PM

 Reply posted for jpomal.

My sister was diagnosed in 2009 with Crohn's, and has taken Mecaptopurine in the last couple of months.  Unfortunately, she had the serious side effects of the med, such as nausea and vomiting.  Check with the GI and see if Azathioprine might be a better choice.  My mom also has Crohn's and takes the azathioprine with great success.

FPO crohnscaregiver
Joined May 25, 2012

Fri, May 25, 2012 8:19 PM

 Reply posted for jpomal.

My sister was diagnosed in 2009 with Crohn's, and has taken Mecaptopurine in the last couple of months.  Unfortunately, she had the serious side effects of the med, such as nausea and vomiting.  Check with the GI and see if Azathioprine might be a better choice.  My mom also has Crohn's and takes the azathioprine with great success.

FPO crohnscaregiver
Joined May 25, 2012

Thu, May 24, 2012 3:49 PM

 Reply posted for jpomal.

Can't tell you much about 6-MP as it has not been a choice for my son at least so far...  My son was on Methotrexate for a short time (couple of months) and while it worked wonders getting his crohn's under control (his labs looked great on it) he unfortunately was one of the few that it affected his lungs and developed a horrible hacking cough so we all decided to pull him off fearing lung scarring and went to back to Azathioprine.  Which if I understand his GI correctly we will have to pull him off that soon as he will be 13 in 2 months and they do not like to have teenage boys on it.

FPO jmrogers4
Joined Nov 12, 2010

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