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New Medication (6-mp)


Fri, May 18, 2018 6:25 PM

Hi everyone. I’m new to this chat group and I was having some concerns about a new medication I might need to take. Firstly, I was diagnosed in December last year and I was put on Mesalamine, which has seemed to stop working based on the results of a colonoscopy I had yesterday. I want to avoid Remicade so I will be going on 6-mp (probably). I read online that there are some serious side effects, such as hair loss, which I am especially worried about. I was wondering if anyone has been or is currently on this medication and if you suffered this side effect. I truly don’t want to go to high school next year with less hair than my already thin hair. Any insight into this will be greatly appreciated. 

FPO RachelD
Joined May 18, 2018

Tue, June 12, 2018 3:03 PM

Reply posted for RachelD.

6mp works for very well for certain people.  There are serious side effects, just like everything else out there.

I was taken off 6mp after a month of taking it due to my body reacting negatively to it (this happens to a small portion of the patients who take it I was told).  It could have also been that I was simultaneously taking 60mg of prednisone and remicade. 

To be honest though, hair loss would be the least of my worries as far as a side effect goes, but I can understand the worries especially during the high school/college years.  Hope it works out.

FPO Brew2487
Joined Jun 12, 2018

Sun, May 27, 2018 2:49 PM

Reply posted for RachelD.

Hello!

     I was super nervous to start 6-mp as well. I am currently 18 years old and started Mercaptopurine (6-mp) at 15. I take it in conjuction with Allopurinal. These two medications have literally saved my life. I could not tolerate Entyvio, Remicade, Humira, Cimzia,  and Methotrexate because I became allergic to all of them. Apriso did not work. 6-mp has saved me because I have had less symptoms and flare-ups. The only thing that is currently flaring is my Rheumatoid Arthritis and I am on Prednisone (which is a nightmare). Try the 6-mp and see how your body reacts. The only downside to this medication is that it takes a while to start working. Remicade has noticeable effects after treatments. Try the 6-mp or try the Remicade- better yet, try both. Certain people experience different successes with certain medications. You have to find what works for YOUR body. If you have any other questions about the 6-mp or side effects, let me know! Best of luck! 

FPO stringedbee
Joined May 27, 2018

Sun, May 20, 2018 3:23 AM

Reply posted for RachelD.

Out of curiosity, why avoid remicade? I can say with some degree of confidence that it worked for me for over a year, as it has for many others. Some better than others.

FPO kumputer
Joined Jul 19, 2013

Sat, May 19, 2018 11:06 AM

Reply posted for RachelD.

Hi! Welcome to the form! My situation is a lot like yours. I was officially diagnosed in January after having a colonoscopy showing I had inflammation throughout my entire colon. Afterwards, my doctor prescribed me 6mp. One thing about this drug is that I had to get a blood test in order to find out if my body can handle this medication, as it can affect your liver greatly. Another thing is that this medication can take up to 3 to 6 months to even work. After almost 3 months, things are starting to get better for me which tells me this medication is finally kicking in. As for other side effects, the first few weeks, it suppressed my appetite a bit, but I would say after a month that went away and I had my normal appetite again. I did experience some hair loss, but after about a month or two, that also finally stopped. Overall, I feel pretty good on this medication. Just make sure you give it time. I understand how you feel. I am in high school right now and a lot of my friends have a hard time understanding this disease. Hope this helps!

FPO andrew 2012
Joined Dec 13, 2018

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