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Mercaptopurine


Tue, October 14, 2014 12:54 PM

I have been diagnosed with Crohn's for over 15 years, keeping the illness at bay with one form of mesalamine or another.  However I have now developed a peripheral manifestation of the disease in the form of acute arthritis and over all the illness is progressively getting worse.

My doctor wants to prescribe me with Mercaptopurine, has anyone had any experience with this drug?  Any feedback would be much appreciated.  

FPO sam hart
Joined Jun 20, 2014

Tue, February 15, 2022 11:49 PM

Reply posted for sam hart.

I have a friend who also has this problem. I want to ask are you cured? Can you give me advice?
drift boss

FPO lukalaku09
Joined Feb 15, 2022

Tue, February 15, 2022 11:45 PM

Reply posted for pug53.

A pretty good read and well worth the read

FPO Docane
Joined Dec 29, 2021

Sat, July 10, 2021 12:30 PM

Reply posted for sam hart.

i have been on 100mg of mercaptopurine for about 2 years, and i havent had many problems with it, i do get my blood checked once a month to make sure all my levels are still normal. i am taking mercaptopurine and humira together and still havent gotten in to remission. 

FPO katydid0218
Joined Jul 10, 2021

Mon, November 17, 2014 5:01 PM

I was on it for about 2 weeks and I started experiencing severe upper abdominal pain and nausea. I had an appointment with my physician already scheduled for a few days later, so I waited. He had me get bloodw work done, called me that night and told me to go to the hospital because my pancreas levels were four times the normal amount. Diagnosed with pancreatitis and it went away when I stopped taking 6MP. While this has worked greatly for some people, that was not the case with me, so just make sure you are getting regular blood tests and report any new symptoms to your doctor.

FPO pinkfisher
Joined Feb 8, 2014

Sat, November 08, 2014 9:20 PM

 Reply posted for sam hart.

I have been on 75 mg mercaptopurine (6-MP) for about 12 years.  They check my CBC and liver function tests at intervals and have had no problem tolerating it.  I have never had arthritis to speak of so I cannot say whether it helps that.  I do know that I have had no side effects from the medication.

FPO gunyok
Joined Nov 8, 2014

Thu, October 23, 2014 2:24 PM

 Reply posted for ace.

Thanks for the response ace! Do you also have joint problems and if so did the merco help you with this aswell?

FPO sam hart
Joined Jun 20, 2014

Thu, October 23, 2014 1:50 PM

 Reply posted for sam hart.

I have been on Mercaptopurine for several years now (50mg) and It helps me to stay in remission (for UC). It's a much better option than taking steroids long term.

FPO ace
Joined Oct 21, 2014

Mon, October 20, 2014 9:19 AM

 Reply posted for monk99.

Thanks for responding!  Have you also had joint issues?  Did they dissipate after beginning medication?  And do you think this is now a life-long treatment?

FPO sam hart
Joined Jun 20, 2014

Sat, October 18, 2014 11:02 PM

 Reply posted for sam hart.

I've been on it for almost 2 years now. So far it has kept things a bay. My experience so far has been positive. 50 mg a day.

FPO monk99
Joined Oct 18, 2014

Thu, October 16, 2014 9:18 AM

 Reply posted for pug53.

Thanks for the response!  Will consult dosage with doctor, considering what you said.

FPO sam hart
Joined Jun 20, 2014

Thu, October 16, 2014 5:50 AM

 Reply posted for sam hart.

Been taking 6MP for a few years ( have UC) . It definitely keeps systems to a minimum, but start at low dosage to see if you have any reactions. At 100ml I developed major problems with red blood count. went back down to 75ml and it's been working pretty well. good luck

FPO pug53
Joined Jul 18, 2014

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