Reviewer: Midwest UC Warrior, 35-44 Female on Treatment for 5 to less than 10 years (Patient)

Comment:
Medication takes several months for full effectiveness, but has been very effective in maintaining remission. The upside: I now take meds once/day (rather than Asacol 3x/day), and I have experienced no side effects - my bloodwork always looks very good. The downside: Bloodwork every 3 months to monitor liver function. When the work schedule is hectic it is a nuisance to have to work in a trip to t ... Show Full Comment

Comment:
Medication takes several months for full effectiveness, but has been very effective in maintaining remission. The upside: I now take meds once/day (rather than Asacol 3x/day), and I have experienced no side effects - my bloodwork always looks very good. The downside: Bloodwork every 3 months to monitor liver function. When the work schedule is hectic it is a nuisance to have to work in a trip to the lab, but it is certainly worth it to maintain remission. Also,the blood test that is needed to thoroughly check Imuran levels can only be done by a lab in California, and is not covered by my insurance (but I've only had to do that once).
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Reviewer: 55-64 Female (Patient)

Comment:
This medicine took months to improve my Ulcerative Colitis and I'm still not in remission. So my doctor had me go up to 150 mg. and now my hair is falling out.

Comment:
This medicine took months to improve my Ulcerative Colitis and I'm still not in remission. So my doctor had me go up to 150 mg. and now my hair is falling out.
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Reviewer: duffer, 55-64 Male on Treatment for 10 years or more (Patient)

Comment:
I've been using this drug for about 20 years and it has been extemely effective in controlling my Crohn's disease. I've had no side effects and no reoccurances since I been on this drug. I have my blood checked every 3 months, no problems.

Comment:
I've been using this drug for about 20 years and it has been extemely effective in controlling my Crohn's disease. I've had no side effects and no reoccurances since I been on this drug. I have my blood checked every 3 months, no problems.
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Reviewer: 35-44 Female on Treatment for 2 to less than 5 years (Patient)

Comment:
This drug worked well for me in relieving my Crohn's disease for a couple of years. The side effects were minimal, though I did catch colds much more easily and did get a case of chicken pox, despite having them previously. Unfortunately, it has stopped working as well for me. We don't know if we should edge up the dose, carefully, because of previous low white blood count on 6-MP or if it ... Show Full Comment

Comment:
This drug worked well for me in relieving my Crohn's disease for a couple of years. The side effects were minimal, though I did catch colds much more easily and did get a case of chicken pox, despite having them previously. Unfortunately, it has stopped working as well for me. We don't know if we should edge up the dose, carefully, because of previous low white blood count on 6-MP or if it is time to move to Remicade or another treatment.
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Reviewer: 25-34 Female on Treatment for 2 to less than 5 years (Patient)

Comment:
I still had a UC flare up in spite of increased dose. Recently had B-12 and folate anemia, but seems to have cleared up with prescription pre-natal vitamins (not for pregnancy). Recently learned that my doctor was suprised to find out that brand name drug "Imuran" was substituted with generic azathioprine and she said that they are different in the way the dosages are prescribed and th ... Show Full Comment

Comment:
I still had a UC flare up in spite of increased dose. Recently had B-12 and folate anemia, but seems to have cleared up with prescription pre-natal vitamins (not for pregnancy). Recently learned that my doctor was suprised to find out that brand name drug "Imuran" was substituted with generic azathioprine and she said that they are different in the way the dosages are prescribed and that could explain why it wasn't working (my dose was metabolized too well by my body and thus was not therapeutic) for the past year. She and I will begin adjusting my dose accordingly now, knowing that I'm taking azathioprine instead. Be sure your doctor knows if your pharmacy/insurance substitutes generic for Imuran. I'm also going to try to get off this med soon after the flare is under control so that my husband and I can start a family. Not allowed to take it while pregnant or nursing.
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