Guest guest Posted May 12, 2004 Report Share Posted May 12, 2004 Hi , Thanks for that information. You know, it makes me wonder even more about this doctor of mine. The info you sent says Regular blood tests are needed to check for effects these medications may have on the bone marrow, liver, and kidneys. Yet, my doctor didn't do any blood work or schedule me for any. Hell, he didn't even tell me when to come back to see him! He just gave me a script for nine months of 6-MP along with lots of other stuff I don't need like Fioricet for migraines. Would you believe I have never had a migraine headache in my life?!! I don't even see a need for this new med.....I was doing good as far as I am concerned. I am just having a very mild flare right now and it's almost under control. I do have to say my doctor may have over reacted when he called me into his office. I was sound asleep in the waiting area and didn't hear him call me. Someone had to wake me up! Jeez, that's the first time that has happened to me. lol And on top of that, I was so stiff and sore from yard work this past weekend I could hardly move. Then I told him I had that dx for Lupus. He did say we could treat the Lupus and the UC at once. I'm worried about this. I feel like I should do something like talk to another doctor. Problem is we use the AF base for our health care and I don't think you can just change doctors if you aren't satisfied with your present doctor. And right now.....we are having a shortage of doctors because of the "war on terror". I just don't know what to think. How are you doing ? I hope you're feeling better than you were last time we talked. Are you breathing better? Have you found that sling for your elbow? How are those kidneys? And........do you need anymore puzzles? I bet you do! Hey thanks again for the information. Take care. Hugs... Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 12, 2004 Report Share Posted May 12, 2004 Ok, that confirms it. Take a copy of this article sent to the doctor and highlight this part. What To Think About Regular blood tests are needed to check for effects these medications may have on the bone marrow, liver, and kidneys. Mojo Carol- 6-MP WebMD Today HomeWebMD News Center Member Services Newsletters & AlertsBoards & EventsWebMD UniversityMy WebMDFind a Physician Medical Info Diseases & ConditionsCheck SymptomsMedical LibraryDrugs & HerbsQuizzes, CalculatorsClinical TrialsMedicare Rx BenefitsHealth Plan Health & Wellness Women, Men, LifestylePregnancy & FamilyDiet & Nutrition Who We Are About WebMDPrivacy & YouSite Map You are in Diseases & Conditions. Choose a TopicAll ConditionsADD/ADHDAllergiesAlzheimer'sArthritisAsthmaBack PainBreast CancerCancerDentalDepressionDiabetesEye HealthHeart DiseaseHepatitisHIV/AIDSHypertensionMen's ConditionsMental HealthMigraines/HeadachesMultiple SclerosisOsteoporosisParkinson'sSexual ConditionsSkin & BeautyStrokeWeight ControlWomen's Conditions Health Topics | Symptoms | Medical Tests | Medications | Wellness | Support Organizations Examples How It Works Why It Is Used How Well It Works Side Effects What To Think About References Immunomodulators for inflammatory bowel disease Examples azathioprine (AZA) (Imuran) 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) (Purinethol) methotrexate (Rheumatrex, MTX, Mexate) mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept) tacrolimus (Prograf) How It Works Immunomodulator medications, such as azathioprine (AZA), 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP), methotrexate, and mycophenolate mofetil, weaken or suppress the immune system, which in turn decreases inflammation in the digestive tract. These medications are used most often to prevent the body from rejecting a newly transplanted organ.Why It Is Used Immunomodulators are used for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that: Has not responded to other treatments. Can be controlled only with long-term use of corticosteroids. Immunomodulators may be tried to help you cut back on or stop using corticosteroids. How Well It Works Immunomodulator medications are effective against inflammatory bowel disease. AZA and 6-MP are used to maintain remission of symptoms in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Both medications are effective in treating fistulas in Crohn's disease. Tacrolimus can be used in Crohn's disease when corticosteroids do not work or fistulas develop. It also may be applied topically for Crohn's disease that affects the mouth or perineal area.1 Studies have shown that methotrexate improves IBD symptoms in those people who are dependent on corticosteroids.2 It appears that the benefits of methotrexate are greater for people with Crohn's disease than for those with ulcerative colitis. It may take 4 months or more for AZA and 6-MP to improve symptoms. The disease often comes back after you stop taking the medication. Methotrexate improves symptoms more quickly than 6-MP but has not been studied as extensively. Mycophenolate mofetil has been studied in active IBD, with mixed results; more data are needed to confirm its role.3Side Effects Side effects of immunomodulator medications include: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach ulcers. Rash. General feeling of being ill (malaise). Liver inflammation. Rare side effects include: Suppression of blood cell production (bone marrow suppression), which may increase the risk of infection or serious bleeding. Return to normal blood cell production may take several weeks after the medication is stopped. Fever. Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). This may occur with AZA and 6-MP. Extremely rare side effects of azathioprine include a possible increased risk of cancer. Mycophenolate mofetil may increase the risk of cancer of the lymph system (lymphoma) and other types of cancer. See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)What To Think About Regular blood tests are needed to check for effects these medications may have on the bone marrow, liver, and kidneys. Immunomodulator medications are less likely than corticosteroid medications to cause growth failure in children. If you are pregnant or want to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about whether you can take immunomodulator medications; some of these medications are used in pregnancy, but only when the benefit outweighs the potential risk of harm to the fetus. Methotrexate should not be used because it can cause birth defects and pregnancy loss. See a list of questions to ask your doctor about medications. References Citations Sands BE (2002). Crohn's disease. In M Feldman et al., eds., Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease, 7th ed., vol. 2, pp. 2005–2038. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders. Podolsky DK (2002). Inflammatory bowel disease. New England Journal of Medicine, 347(6): 417–429. Hanauer SB, Dassopoulos T (2001). Evolving treatment strategies for inflammatory bowel disease. Annual Review of Medicine, 52: 299–318.Credits Author nne Flagg Editor Renée Spengler, RN, BSN Associate Editor Lila Havens Associate Editor Landauer Primary Medical Reviewer Sandoval, DO- Internal Medicine Specialist Medical Reviewer J. Kahrilas, MD- Gastroenterology Last Updated 7/11/2003 ^back to top To Search the Help Last updated: July 11, 2003 Print-Friendly Version © 1995-2004, Healthwise, Incorporated, P.O. Box 1989, Boise, ID 83701. All Rights Reserved.This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Medscape for Physicians | Medscape for Healthcare Professionals Corporate | Contact Us Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy and Agreement ©1996-2004 WebMD Inc. All rights reserved. "The LUPIES Store" Come check out our store...http://www.cafepress.com/thelupies"The LUPIES Web Page"http://www.itzarion.com/lupusgroup.html"The LUPIES online photo albums!" Check out what your fellow Lupies look like...http://www.picturetrail.com/lupies Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 12, 2004 Report Share Posted May 12, 2004 Ok, that confirms it. Take a copy of this article sent to the doctor and highlight this part. What To Think About Regular blood tests are needed to check for effects these medications may have on the bone marrow, liver, and kidneys. Mojo Carol- 6-MP WebMD Today HomeWebMD News Center Member Services Newsletters & AlertsBoards & EventsWebMD UniversityMy WebMDFind a Physician Medical Info Diseases & ConditionsCheck SymptomsMedical LibraryDrugs & HerbsQuizzes, CalculatorsClinical TrialsMedicare Rx BenefitsHealth Plan Health & Wellness Women, Men, LifestylePregnancy & FamilyDiet & Nutrition Who We Are About WebMDPrivacy & YouSite Map You are in Diseases & Conditions. Choose a TopicAll ConditionsADD/ADHDAllergiesAlzheimer'sArthritisAsthmaBack PainBreast CancerCancerDentalDepressionDiabetesEye HealthHeart DiseaseHepatitisHIV/AIDSHypertensionMen's ConditionsMental HealthMigraines/HeadachesMultiple SclerosisOsteoporosisParkinson'sSexual ConditionsSkin & BeautyStrokeWeight ControlWomen's Conditions Health Topics | Symptoms | Medical Tests | Medications | Wellness | Support Organizations Examples How It Works Why It Is Used How Well It Works Side Effects What To Think About References Immunomodulators for inflammatory bowel disease Examples azathioprine (AZA) (Imuran) 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) (Purinethol) methotrexate (Rheumatrex, MTX, Mexate) mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept) tacrolimus (Prograf) How It Works Immunomodulator medications, such as azathioprine (AZA), 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP), methotrexate, and mycophenolate mofetil, weaken or suppress the immune system, which in turn decreases inflammation in the digestive tract. These medications are used most often to prevent the body from rejecting a newly transplanted organ.Why It Is Used Immunomodulators are used for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that: Has not responded to other treatments. Can be controlled only with long-term use of corticosteroids. Immunomodulators may be tried to help you cut back on or stop using corticosteroids. How Well It Works Immunomodulator medications are effective against inflammatory bowel disease. AZA and 6-MP are used to maintain remission of symptoms in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Both medications are effective in treating fistulas in Crohn's disease. Tacrolimus can be used in Crohn's disease when corticosteroids do not work or fistulas develop. It also may be applied topically for Crohn's disease that affects the mouth or perineal area.1 Studies have shown that methotrexate improves IBD symptoms in those people who are dependent on corticosteroids.2 It appears that the benefits of methotrexate are greater for people with Crohn's disease than for those with ulcerative colitis. It may take 4 months or more for AZA and 6-MP to improve symptoms. The disease often comes back after you stop taking the medication. Methotrexate improves symptoms more quickly than 6-MP but has not been studied as extensively. Mycophenolate mofetil has been studied in active IBD, with mixed results; more data are needed to confirm its role.3Side Effects Side effects of immunomodulator medications include: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach ulcers. Rash. General feeling of being ill (malaise). Liver inflammation. Rare side effects include: Suppression of blood cell production (bone marrow suppression), which may increase the risk of infection or serious bleeding. Return to normal blood cell production may take several weeks after the medication is stopped. Fever. Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). This may occur with AZA and 6-MP. Extremely rare side effects of azathioprine include a possible increased risk of cancer. Mycophenolate mofetil may increase the risk of cancer of the lymph system (lymphoma) and other types of cancer. See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)What To Think About Regular blood tests are needed to check for effects these medications may have on the bone marrow, liver, and kidneys. Immunomodulator medications are less likely than corticosteroid medications to cause growth failure in children. If you are pregnant or want to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about whether you can take immunomodulator medications; some of these medications are used in pregnancy, but only when the benefit outweighs the potential risk of harm to the fetus. Methotrexate should not be used because it can cause birth defects and pregnancy loss. See a list of questions to ask your doctor about medications. References Citations Sands BE (2002). Crohn's disease. In M Feldman et al., eds., Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease, 7th ed., vol. 2, pp. 2005–2038. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders. Podolsky DK (2002). Inflammatory bowel disease. New England Journal of Medicine, 347(6): 417–429. Hanauer SB, Dassopoulos T (2001). Evolving treatment strategies for inflammatory bowel disease. Annual Review of Medicine, 52: 299–318.Credits Author nne Flagg Editor Renée Spengler, RN, BSN Associate Editor Lila Havens Associate Editor Landauer Primary Medical Reviewer Sandoval, DO- Internal Medicine Specialist Medical Reviewer J. Kahrilas, MD- Gastroenterology Last Updated 7/11/2003 ^back to top To Search the Help Last updated: July 11, 2003 Print-Friendly Version © 1995-2004, Healthwise, Incorporated, P.O. Box 1989, Boise, ID 83701. All Rights Reserved.This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Medscape for Physicians | Medscape for Healthcare Professionals Corporate | Contact Us Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy and Agreement ©1996-2004 WebMD Inc. All rights reserved. "The LUPIES Store" Come check out our store...http://www.cafepress.com/thelupies"The LUPIES Web Page"http://www.itzarion.com/lupusgroup.html"The LUPIES online photo albums!" Check out what your fellow Lupies look like...http://www.picturetrail.com/lupies Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 12, 2004 Report Share Posted May 12, 2004 Ok, that confirms it. Take a copy of this article sent to the doctor and highlight this part. What To Think About Regular blood tests are needed to check for effects these medications may have on the bone marrow, liver, and kidneys. Mojo Carol- 6-MP WebMD Today HomeWebMD News Center Member Services Newsletters & AlertsBoards & EventsWebMD UniversityMy WebMDFind a Physician Medical Info Diseases & ConditionsCheck SymptomsMedical LibraryDrugs & HerbsQuizzes, CalculatorsClinical TrialsMedicare Rx BenefitsHealth Plan Health & Wellness Women, Men, LifestylePregnancy & FamilyDiet & Nutrition Who We Are About WebMDPrivacy & YouSite Map You are in Diseases & Conditions. Choose a TopicAll ConditionsADD/ADHDAllergiesAlzheimer'sArthritisAsthmaBack PainBreast CancerCancerDentalDepressionDiabetesEye HealthHeart DiseaseHepatitisHIV/AIDSHypertensionMen's ConditionsMental HealthMigraines/HeadachesMultiple SclerosisOsteoporosisParkinson'sSexual ConditionsSkin & BeautyStrokeWeight ControlWomen's Conditions Health Topics | Symptoms | Medical Tests | Medications | Wellness | Support Organizations Examples How It Works Why It Is Used How Well It Works Side Effects What To Think About References Immunomodulators for inflammatory bowel disease Examples azathioprine (AZA) (Imuran) 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) (Purinethol) methotrexate (Rheumatrex, MTX, Mexate) mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept) tacrolimus (Prograf) How It Works Immunomodulator medications, such as azathioprine (AZA), 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP), methotrexate, and mycophenolate mofetil, weaken or suppress the immune system, which in turn decreases inflammation in the digestive tract. These medications are used most often to prevent the body from rejecting a newly transplanted organ.Why It Is Used Immunomodulators are used for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that: Has not responded to other treatments. Can be controlled only with long-term use of corticosteroids. Immunomodulators may be tried to help you cut back on or stop using corticosteroids. How Well It Works Immunomodulator medications are effective against inflammatory bowel disease. AZA and 6-MP are used to maintain remission of symptoms in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Both medications are effective in treating fistulas in Crohn's disease. Tacrolimus can be used in Crohn's disease when corticosteroids do not work or fistulas develop. It also may be applied topically for Crohn's disease that affects the mouth or perineal area.1 Studies have shown that methotrexate improves IBD symptoms in those people who are dependent on corticosteroids.2 It appears that the benefits of methotrexate are greater for people with Crohn's disease than for those with ulcerative colitis. It may take 4 months or more for AZA and 6-MP to improve symptoms. The disease often comes back after you stop taking the medication. Methotrexate improves symptoms more quickly than 6-MP but has not been studied as extensively. Mycophenolate mofetil has been studied in active IBD, with mixed results; more data are needed to confirm its role.3Side Effects Side effects of immunomodulator medications include: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach ulcers. Rash. General feeling of being ill (malaise). Liver inflammation. Rare side effects include: Suppression of blood cell production (bone marrow suppression), which may increase the risk of infection or serious bleeding. Return to normal blood cell production may take several weeks after the medication is stopped. Fever. Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). This may occur with AZA and 6-MP. Extremely rare side effects of azathioprine include a possible increased risk of cancer. Mycophenolate mofetil may increase the risk of cancer of the lymph system (lymphoma) and other types of cancer. See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)What To Think About Regular blood tests are needed to check for effects these medications may have on the bone marrow, liver, and kidneys. Immunomodulator medications are less likely than corticosteroid medications to cause growth failure in children. If you are pregnant or want to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about whether you can take immunomodulator medications; some of these medications are used in pregnancy, but only when the benefit outweighs the potential risk of harm to the fetus. Methotrexate should not be used because it can cause birth defects and pregnancy loss. See a list of questions to ask your doctor about medications. References Citations Sands BE (2002). Crohn's disease. In M Feldman et al., eds., Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease, 7th ed., vol. 2, pp. 2005–2038. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders. Podolsky DK (2002). Inflammatory bowel disease. New England Journal of Medicine, 347(6): 417–429. Hanauer SB, Dassopoulos T (2001). Evolving treatment strategies for inflammatory bowel disease. Annual Review of Medicine, 52: 299–318.Credits Author nne Flagg Editor Renée Spengler, RN, BSN Associate Editor Lila Havens Associate Editor Landauer Primary Medical Reviewer Sandoval, DO- Internal Medicine Specialist Medical Reviewer J. Kahrilas, MD- Gastroenterology Last Updated 7/11/2003 ^back to top To Search the Help Last updated: July 11, 2003 Print-Friendly Version © 1995-2004, Healthwise, Incorporated, P.O. Box 1989, Boise, ID 83701. All Rights Reserved.This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Medscape for Physicians | Medscape for Healthcare Professionals Corporate | Contact Us Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy and Agreement ©1996-2004 WebMD Inc. All rights reserved. "The LUPIES Store" Come check out our store...http://www.cafepress.com/thelupies"The LUPIES Web Page"http://www.itzarion.com/lupusgroup.html"The LUPIES online photo albums!" Check out what your fellow Lupies look like...http://www.picturetrail.com/lupies Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 14, 2004 Report Share Posted May 14, 2004 Hi Mojo, I did exactly that except I took it to my PCP and got a referral to a new doctor yesterday. My PCP told me not to take the 6-MP until after my appointment with Dr. Freeze. There's a name for you. I feel much better now that I have done something about this. Thanks for caring Mojo. Hugs.... Carol Re: Carol- 6-MP Ok, that confirms it. Take a copy of this article sent to the doctor and highlight this part. What To Think About Regular blood tests are needed to check for effects these medications may have on the bone marrow, liver, and kidneys. Mojo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.