Imuran

[Guest guest]

I am trying to understand why people decide to take Imuran and would really

like to hear about how people weighed out the risks and benefits. I

currently have " mild " AIH, with ALT/AST in the very low 100's, and level one

and a half inflammation and level one scarring, asymptomatic (discovered via

life insurance tests). I'm currently on 20 mg. a day of prednisone and have

been doing that for 30 days with no material side effects.

Why wouldn't I try to see if I could " solve " this problem with one drug

instead of introducing a second (potentially carcinogenic) one into the mix?

I know my doctor wants to introduce Imuran next month, but I don't see why

I can't try to get my levels down on prednisone alone. Plus given the

choice of osteoporosis/diabetes versus cancer, I think I'll take the

osteoporosis/diabetes.

Would appreciate hearing from anybody who either covered this ground with

their hepotologist already or who did their own research.

Thanks.

Libby

[Guest guest]

Dear Libby:

I understand your concerns about Imuran. I was unable to take it, so have

been on prednisone for the duration (4 years). The problems with prednisone

are many. In my case I have almost all of the classic side affects plus

Cushing's Syndrome which is caused by an overabundance of steroids in the

body. Although prednisone has put me in 'remission' and kept me there for a

year and a half, my doctors are going to try to get me off of it now because

of all of the problems I've been having with the side affects. They probably

want to try you on the Imuran because they figure that in the long term, you

will suffer less from it than you would from the prednisone. The likelihood

of getting cancer from Imuran is very slim, whereas the likelihood of

debilitating side affects with long-term prednisone is much greater.

Hope this was helpful.

Kathy (AIH)

Seattle area

[Guest guest]

Libby,

I was eager to take Imuran and the first GI doctor I saw was distressed

that I had to wait a month to start taking it (because I had to see a

Hepatologist first.) I was very, very sick and had been told that I would

only live 2 to 5 years at most without a transplant. According to lab

tests, I'm now in remission from AIH.

Prednisone is prescribed basically to halt the inflammatory process. It's

also an anti-organ rejection drug but is not always effective when taken

alone, and it has many potentially dangerous side effects. Most

Hepatologists seem to consider it to be a temporary measure. Imuran is not

only given to people who have autoimmune organ rejection, but also to halt

rejection after transplants, in some cases. For those who can take it,

it's is usually a lifesaver and generally you will take it for the rest of

your life.

The risk of death from liver failure is much higher and imminent than the

risk from side effects of Imuran, though those side effects can be

horrible... but much less likely to occur than liver failure is apt to

occur without treatment. If you were to take only Prednisone and it wasn't

successful in halting the rejection process, your liver could well become

even more damaged. It's a chance I was happy not to take, but others feel

differently about it.

I've just learned, incidentally, that after just 15 months of Prednisone

I've developed osteoporosis. If I'd known in advance that this would

happen, would I have taken it? Yes. If I hadn't, I doubt I'd be here

today to write about it.

Take care,

Geri

t

[Guest guest]

Libby:

I am on prednisone only because I am considered a high cancer risk. I have not

done research but my hepatologist said that the normal person's risk of getting

cancer is low because cancer takes so long to develop. He said a person in

their middle years would most likely die of old age before developing cancer. I

don't know...that's just what he told me. Not everything he told me has turned

out right. Example - even though my liver enzymes have been normal for the past

two years, I still have terrible symptoms - he said I would feel normal when the

prednisone was working. Yet I have chronic fatigue, migraines, aching joints,

you name it.

I imagine you will receive lots of answers from this group that will help you to

make a decision.

Kaye - AIH - Ohio

Lib Dale wrote:

> From: Lib Dale <libdale@...>

>

> I am trying to understand why people decide to take Imuran and would really

> like to hear about how people weighed out the risks and benefits. I

> currently have " mild " AIH, with ALT/AST in the very low 100's, and level one

> and a half inflammation and level one scarring, asymptomatic (discovered via

> life insurance tests). I'm currently on 20 mg. a day of prednisone and have

> been doing that for 30 days with no material side effects.

>

> Why wouldn't I try to see if I could " solve " this problem with one drug

> instead of introducing a second (potentially carcinogenic) one into the mix?

> I know my doctor wants to introduce Imuran next month, but I don't see why

> I can't try to get my levels down on prednisone alone. Plus given the

> choice of osteoporosis/diabetes versus cancer, I think I'll take the

> osteoporosis/diabetes.

>

> Would appreciate hearing from anybody who either covered this ground with

> their hepotologist already or who did their own research.

>

> Thanks.

>

> Libby

>

> ---------------------------

[Guest guest]

Hi Elena,

I have been on 5mg of Prednisolone (Prednisolone is the same as

Prednisone) for over a year now, sorry I confused you in my posting.

When a Rheumatologist discovered Osteoporosis my Gastroenterologist

said that I should try to get off Prednisolone as soon as possible. I

am currently introducing Imuran to see if I can tolorate it. Then I

will gradually wean off Prednisolone,, and if all goes well (keep my

fingers crossed) Imuran will be the only drug controlling my liver

disease. I have read that some people can control their AHI with Imuran

alone, but Prednisone is needed to get the liver inflamation under

control. first. Have you been diagnosed with AIH?

Have a good day.

AIH

_________________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

,

I just sent a post about learning that I will take at least 5 mgs. of pred

for the rest of my life. I forgot to mention that I also was told by the

same doctor that I'd be taking Imuran for the rest of my life. I'm taking

50 mgs. now but I'm to expect to possibly have it increased if my labs go

funny.

Geri

[Guest guest]

I have been diagnosed with AIH. However, I think that

may have been a mistake as my enzyme levels has only

been elevated for 2 months. and the highest my sgpt

got was only 194. Its now normal.My biopsy at the time

only said mild inflammation, no scarring. The only

thing i still have is the ANA and smooth muscle

antibodies and they arent really a specific indicator

of AIH, as those antibodies can appear in other

autoimmune diseases such as SLE. Im hoping that my

enzymes rose just because of the meds I was taking

recently.

Take care]

Elena

--- brenda maguire <bmag21@...> wrote:

> From: =?iso-8859-1?q?brenda=20maguire?=

> <bmag21@...>

>

>

> Hi Elena,

> I have been on 5mg of Prednisolone (Prednisolone is

> the same as

> Prednisone) for over a year now, sorry I confused

> you in my posting.

> When a Rheumatologist discovered Osteoporosis my

> Gastroenterologist

> said that I should try to get off Prednisolone as

> soon as possible. I

> am currently introducing Imuran to see if I can

> tolorate it. Then I

> will gradually wean off Prednisolone,, and if all

> goes well (keep my

> fingers crossed) Imuran will be the only drug

> controlling my liver

> disease. I have read that some people can control

> their AHI with Imuran

> alone, but Prednisone is needed to get the liver

> inflamation under

> control. first. Have you been diagnosed with AIH?

>

> Have a good day.

> AIH

>

>

>

>

_________________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Geri,

I hope you stay at least, at the minimum dosage. For me I think my doc. has

no intentions to ever take me off of the meds either.

Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will,

To strive, To seek, To find, but not to yeild.

Love and Light

Dixie AIH

Geri Spang wrote:

> From: Geri Spang <spangs@...>

>

> ,

> I just sent a post about learning that I will take at least 5 mgs. of pred

> for the rest of my life. I forgot to mention that I also was told by the

> same doctor that I'd be taking Imuran for the rest of my life. I'm taking

> 50 mgs. now but I'm to expect to possibly have it increased if my labs go

> funny.

> Geri

>

> ---------------------------

[Guest guest]

Hi Dixie,

I wonder if the logical way to control an autoimmune disease is to maintain

a constant level of medication (assuming that they are able to figure out

which medications are effective) rather than to medicate, then take people

off the meds when they get better, then put them back when things go

downhill again? People who have severe allergies have to take their

allergy medication all of the time, so it figures that the best way to

control the disease might be to keep people on anti-rejection and

anti-inflammation drugs all of the time. Hopefully, at low doses so that

there is less likelihood of building up a resistance.

I don't have a problem with 5 mgs. of Prednisone daily. I'd like to lose

weight but maybe I won't. What the heck - I'm not going to be entering any

pageants anyhow, I just want to look relatively presentable and I'm

learning how to dress around my new size and shape.

Fear and anxiety can eat away at us almost as badly as the disease itself,

it seems. I'm trying very hard to set aside the fear. I hope that things

go well for you. Wouldn't it be wonderful if all we had to do was take our

pills and never have to worry again? If only life were that simple!

Take care,

Geri

[Guest guest]

Elena,

I think that I read somewhere that GGTP (SGTP?) levels aren't necessarily

proportionate to how sick someone is. It would be great if you don't have

AIH after all, but they have some specific criteria they use to reach their

conclusions. Have you asked your doctor if it's possible that there's been

a misdiagnosis or a mistaken diagnosis? I spent months thinking that it

must all be a mistake, since my levels went down so quickly. I actually

assumed I'd be told they were mistaken, but it didn't happen. I did have

cirrhosis so they must have confirmed something with biopsy, as much as

it's possible. Has there been any conjecture about what could have caused

the inflammation? What about EBV?

Take care,

Geri

[Guest guest]

What is EBV ??? Dixie

Geri Spang wrote:

> From: Geri Spang <spangs@...>

>

> Elena,

> I think that I read somewhere that GGTP (SGTP?) levels aren't necessarily

> proportionate to how sick someone is. It would be great if you don't have

> AIH after all, but they have some specific criteria they use to reach their

> conclusions. Have you asked your doctor if it's possible that there's been

> a misdiagnosis or a mistaken diagnosis? I spent months thinking that it

> must all be a mistake, since my levels went down so quickly. I actually

> assumed I'd be told they were mistaken, but it didn't happen. I did have

> cirrhosis so they must have confirmed something with biopsy, as much as

> it's possible. Has there been any conjecture about what could have caused

> the inflammation? What about EBV?

> Take care,

> Geri

>

> ---------------------------

[Guest guest]

Hi Dixie,

I'm just about to fall into bed, about 4 hours later than would have felt

good, and all of the e-mail I'd hoped to focus on remains unattended (I

can't turn away from a good discussion.)

EBV is Epstein-Barr Virus, the same virus that causes mononucleosis. The

virus has one kind of effect on young people and a more severe effect on

people as they grow towards middle age and past. One thing that it can

cause is liver inflammation that is often mistaken for something else, such

as Hepatitis. I don't know if most doctors routinely check for EBV when

they do liver tests but I don't think so.

I found information about EBV at the following website but I read about the

ties between it and liver inflammation someplace else - can't remember

where: http://www.pslgroup.com/docguide.htm

Take care,

Geri

[Guest guest]

SueB

My sister has the autoimmune attaching her large intestines. The others in

my family show no signs yet. Joan & I decided God gave to us because the

others would not except the fluffy bodies. But they would like the big big

zoobies.

Sue AIH

Wisconsin

[Guest guest]

Geri,

Ironically my daughter has just been diagnosed with Glandular Fever. Her

liver enzymes are all up. A scary thing for me when I got her results. Have

you ever seen any signs of AIH following on in families.

I was the one that picked up on her symptoms, fatigue etc. and asked

specifically for LFT'S to be done. She is only 17 years old. My hubbie has

had gout for a week also, never had it so severe before in his life. I am

supposed to keep them all going. Blind leading the blind I think.

SueB.

----------

> From: Geri Spang <spangs@...>

> onelist

> Subject: Re: [ ] Imuran

> Date: Tuesday, 6 July 1999 21:14

>

> From: Geri Spang <spangs@...>

>

> Hi Dixie,

> I'm just about to fall into bed, about 4 hours later than would have felt

> good, and all of the e-mail I'd hoped to focus on remains unattended (I

> can't turn away from a good discussion.)

>

> EBV is Epstein-Barr Virus, the same virus that causes mononucleosis. The

> virus has one kind of effect on young people and a more severe effect on

> people as they grow towards middle age and past. One thing that it can

> cause is liver inflammation that is often mistaken for something else,

such

> as Hepatitis. I don't know if most doctors routinely check for EBV when

> they do liver tests but I don't think so.

>

> I found information about EBV at the following website but I read about

the

> ties between it and liver inflammation someplace else - can't remember

> where: http://www.pslgroup.com/docguide.htm

>

> Take care,

> Geri

>

>

>

> ---------------------------

[Guest guest]

Hi Geri,

Tyler had his check up just the other day and the Docs are very please with

almost all his labs...Of course Ty wants to come off some of his meds...He

takes a combination of about 20 pills a day and a shot....They took him of

pred....He is very pleased....He asked about the cyclosporin...which he is

down from 5 2x a day to 3 2x a day...Both of his docs feel this will be the

last med. he could come off of...They feel it is the main thing holding his

immune system a bay at this time...Just a recap of Ty's

diseases...Crohns,Rhuematoid Arthritis, PSC and AIH...All autoimmune....So it

seems to me that what you suggested about finding a med or combination that

works and just staying there is what they are telling us...They basically let

Ty know that there would be a combination of meds for him for life...Just a

note ...Ty is doing the best he has been in 2 WHOLE YEARS....HURRAY...

Hope everyone is feeling their best....

Luanne Ty's mom

[Guest guest]

,

I've never had a reaction to Imuran either, or at least I don't think so.

Something made me deathly sick when I first went on all the meds, but it

passed. At the time I didn't think things through enough to realize that

it had to be the drugs making me sick, since I had none of the problems

before I started taking them despite the condition of my liver. That's

partly why I believe that joint and muscle pain, extreme fatigue, nausea

and depression are drug induced and not necessarily caused by AIH. I've

had the sleep disorder for several years but except when it was really

severe, I've learned to roll with it. Good thing the human animal is such

an adaptable beastie!

Take care,

Geri

[Guest guest]

Rosemary, Jodi's Hepatologist wanted her on both at the same time but she

could not tolerate Imuran. It made her sick as a dog so he put her on

something else. I didn't answer your question before, sorry I just reread

your post. No, Jodi's levels have not been normal since Feb. and they just

keep getting worse even with all the meds she has been on. Genny

[Guest guest]

Athie,

I started on Imuran about two weeks ago and the Doctor warned that a

few people experience vomiting and diarrhea with it's use. It takes

about 90 days to become effective and my Doctor always waits until

the liver enzymes approach normal before prescribing because Imuran

can raise LFT's in some people. That way he can tell if the liver

causes the increase or the Imuran has. Here's what I found on

the " net " that may answer your questions:

**********************************************************

azathioprine

Pronunciation: ay za THYE oh preen

Brand: Imuran

What is the most important information I should know about

azathioprine?

• Notify your doctor immediately if you develop a fever or chills,

a sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising, mouth sores, abdominal

pain, pale stools, or darkened urine. These could be early symptoms

of dangerous conditions.

• Tell your doctor and dentist that you are taking this medication

before having surgery, before starting any other medicines, and

before receiving any vaccinations.

What is azathioprine?

• Azathioprine is an immunosuppressant. Immunosuppressants decrease

the effects of your body's immune system.

• Azathioprine is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and to prevent

your body from rejecting a kidney transplant.

• Azathioprine may also be used for purposes other than those

listed in this medication guide.

What should I avoid while taking azathioprine?

• Avoid sources of infection. Azathioprine decreases your body's

immune system, and you are much more susceptible to infection. Notify

your doctor at the first sign of fever, chills, or a sore throat.

• Tell your doctor and dentist that you are taking this medication

before having surgery, before starting any other medicines, and

before receiving any vaccinations.

What are the possible side effects of azathioprine?

• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop

taking azathioprine and seek emergency medical attention or contact

your doctor immediately:

· an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your

throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

· unusual tiredness or weakness;

· cough, sore throat, fever, or chills;

· painful or difficult urination;

· pale stools or darkened urine;

· severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;

· sores in the mouth or on the lips;

· unusual bleeding or bruising; or

· an overall feeling of illness.

• Other, less serious side effects may also occur. Continue to take

azathioprine and notify your doctor if you experience

· upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite;

· hair loss; or

· a rash.

• The risk of immune system cancer is increased following treatment

with any immunosuppressant.

• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to

your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is

especially bothersome.

**************************************************************

Athie, my readings indicate that Doctors' prefer to use this as a

steroid-stretcher, therefore permitting less prednisone or sometimes

instead of prednisone when a person is stable. But I am 100%

positive that in Dr. Palmer's book on Liver Disease and

Hepatitis, it says that Imuran it can increase the odds of some form

of cancer and give a low platelet count. I've often wondered why

that is considered better than prednisone.

Hope this information is helful and I'll check Dr. Palmer's book when

I get home tonight on the cancer & platelets.

Patty O

> My doctor wants to wean me off Prednisone and switch me to Imuran.

He said Imuran has less side effects than Prednisone. I have been on

2.5 of Prednisone for 4 years and have been doing great and am

hesitant to switch things right ...

>

> Any information will help me make my decision!!

> Thanks,

> Athie

> AIH Ohio

[Guest guest]

Athie,

In addition to the 20 mg. of Prednisone I take each day, 50 mgs. of

Imuran was added starting Nov. 14th. No side effects. The Imuran

was increased to 75 mgs. on Nov. 21st. I am happy to report that I

still have no side effects.

Good luck to you on whatever medicine you and your Doctor decide on.

Patty

-- In egroups, " S Pickrel " <pickrel@e...>

wrote:

> Patty,

>

> How have you done on the Imuran these two weeks?

> Let me know how you like the Imuran and how you are doing on it.

> Thank you again!

> Athie

> AIH Ohio

[Guest guest]

Hi Athie,

I was diagnosed with a sever case of AIH in mid august 2000 and my

specialist started me on both pred(20mgs) and imuran(75mgs), I think

its the standard treatment over here. He told me that he wanted to

get me down to a low dose of pred as quickly as poss, as the side

effects of it are not nice, esp for a young woman (i'm 21). He told

me that I would be on the immusuppresants for around 5 yrs.

He managed to get me down to 7.5mgs pred before I started to get

sympotoms of a flare up, so he changed my Imuran

to 'Cellcept'(Myclphenolate - spelt wrong) Its a much stronger

immusuppresant. My doc is hoping that after xmas he can reduce me to

6mgs pred and then 5mgs pred over a couple of months. Then he's going

to keep me on 5mgs for a while. Personally I can't wait, as I'm

finding it quite hard to deal with some of the side effects of the

pred.

I had no side effects of Imuran, but with the cellcept I do, but they

are nothing I can't cope with.

I'm not really that worried about the cancer aspect, as I know that

without the immunesuppressants I wouldn't live long enough to have

cancer. :-)

I think its a case of weighing up the pro's and cons of both meds,

and my doc (and me)think that the immunesuppresants are a better

treatment in the long run.

I hope this has helped you,

All my best wishes,

(UK)

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Six years ago when i was diagnosed the treatment my doctor used was straight

Prednisone. Now six years later they have changed their treatment to both

Prednisone and Imuran with weaning down to just Imuran. the Prednisone

worked for just great and now have been on just 2.5 for about 5 years but he

now wants to switch to just Imuran. I think I will be doing it in February.

I started on 40 of Prednisone and felt like a crazy women. I am now 44 and

feel pretty good (i forget really what feeling good feels like) .

I hope you respond as well as I did. I now only go once a year for my check

up but if I start on the Imuran I will need to go every week or so to watch

my levels and see how the Imuran is working. I hate to mess things up and

start all the appointments again but it seems the best way to go.

Take care,

Athie

AIH Ohio

[ ] Re:Imuran

>

> Hi Athie,

>

> I was diagnosed with a sever case of AIH in mid august 2000 and my

> specialist started me on both pred(20mgs) and imuran(75mgs), I think

> its the standard treatment over here. He told me that he wanted to

> get me down to a low dose of pred as quickly as poss, as the side

> effects of it are not nice, esp for a young woman (i'm 21). He told

> me that I would be on the immusuppresants for around 5 yrs.

>

> He managed to get me down to 7.5mgs pred before I started to get

> sympotoms of a flare up, so he changed my Imuran

> to 'Cellcept'(Myclphenolate - spelt wrong) Its a much stronger

> immusuppresant. My doc is hoping that after xmas he can reduce me to

> 6mgs pred and then 5mgs pred over a couple of months. Then he's going

> to keep me on 5mgs for a while. Personally I can't wait, as I'm

> finding it quite hard to deal with some of the side effects of the

> pred.

>

> I had no side effects of Imuran, but with the cellcept I do, but they

> are nothing I can't cope with.

>

> I'm not really that worried about the cancer aspect, as I know that

> without the immunesuppressants I wouldn't live long enough to have

> cancer. :-)

>

> I think its a case of weighing up the pro's and cons of both meds,

> and my doc (and me)think that the immunesuppresants are a better

> treatment in the long run.

>

> I hope this has helped you,

>

> All my best wishes,

>

> (UK)

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Terri.

I was started out on Imuran immidiately along with the prednisone.

The only side effect that the doctors told me would be from the

imuran was itching. I was really itchy under my feet and the palm of

my hands. Lased maybe a month. But other than that the rest of the

side effects was the usual from Prednisone.

I don't take the medicine on any specific time of the day, but I

always take it with a meal. I've heard that it can be hard on your

stomach if you take the medicin on an empty stomach...

Heidi GArdarsson

-- In @y..., TerriMM@m... wrote:

>

> As part of my AIH treatment, I wWill start to take Imuran

> next week when my dose of Prednisone will be reduced to

> 10 mg (After being on 40 mg, then 30 mg, currently on

> 20 mg - each for a week).

>

> So far, despite all my worries, I have had minimal side

> effects on the Prednisone and actually feel great (compared

> to how lousy I felt before). But I know the longer you are

> on Prednisone, that's when the side effects may kick in.

>

> Anyhow, I'm to take 50 mg of Imuran daily along with 10

> mg of Prednisone for about 4 weeks and then will do blood

> lab work to see if my levels have improved.

>

> My questions to anyone who has a similar situation is;

>

> - When you started taking the Imuran - did you notice ANY

> change at all immediately, such as the Prenisone not working

> as well? Any side effects kicking in immediately, etc. Also,

> did any of you feel much better after taking Imuran?

>

> - Also, what time of day seems to be best to take this medicine?

> In the morning? At bedtime? Did taking with food work better?

> or on a empty stomach? Okay to take along with the Prednisone?

> Did it disturb your sleep? What worked best for you.

>

> I know everyone's experience is different, would just like to

> hear about it, if you want to share.

>

> Thanks - really enjoy reading everyone's posts. It sure

> does help to be in touch with people who can understand

> what you are going through.

>

> Terri

[Guest guest]

Hi Terri,

I can't remember exactly but I started on imuran not long after I

started the prednisone. I was on 60mg. prednisone and 50mg. imuran

and I also take ursodial 1200mg a day. I don't remember feeling any

different when I started and it did not make any of my blood work

worse. It has just gotten better. I have to tell you that I have

many of the side-effects of the predinsone and my doc. says my AIH.

I'm still very tired and have been much worse the last month. I'm

now on 10mg. prednisone and 50mg. imuran. I've had the achyness,

brain fog, weight gain (first time for this), vision blurred at times

and eyes hurting and burning. I just had blood work done today and

I'm nervous. I feel so much like I did when I was first dx in Oct.

2000. My doctor did not take me off the prednisone as fast as

yours. I was on the 60mg for atleast a month. Decreased by 10mg. a

month until I got to 20mg. and then dropped by 5mg. and at 12.5mg. I

have dropped by 2.5mg. Staying on each new dose atleast 2 wks. and

usually a month.

This is probably much more info. than you wanted. :?) I tend to do

that. Unlike others, I have never gotten my energy level back to

normal. A few days here and there. But I keep waiting!!!

Debbie/FL

>

> As part of my AIH treatment, I wWill start to take Imuran

> next week when my dose of Prednisone will be reduced to

> 10 mg (After being on 40 mg, then 30 mg, currently on

> 20 mg - each for a week).

>

> So far, despite all my worries, I have had minimal side

> effects on the Prednisone and actually feel great (compared

> to how lousy I felt before). But I know the longer you are

> on Prednisone, that's when the side effects may kick in.

>

> Anyhow, I'm to take 50 mg of Imuran daily along with 10

> mg of Prednisone for about 4 weeks and then will do blood

> lab work to see if my levels have improved.

>

> My questions to anyone who has a similar situation is;

>

> - When you started taking the Imuran - did you notice ANY

> change at all immediately, such as the Prenisone not working

> as well? Any side effects kicking in immediately, etc. Also,

> did any of you feel much better after taking Imuran?

>

> - Also, what time of day seems to be best to take this medicine?

> In the morning? At bedtime? Did taking with food work better?

> or on a empty stomach? Okay to take along with the Prednisone?

> Did it disturb your sleep? What worked best for you.

>

> I know everyone's experience is different, would just like to

> hear about it, if you want to share.

>

> Thanks - really enjoy reading everyone's posts. It sure

> does help to be in touch with people who can understand

> what you are going through.

>

> Terri

[Guest guest]

Terri,

I forgot to tell you when I take my meds. Imuran in the morning with

after breakfast and prednisone after lunch. I used to take it in the

morning with breakfast but the doc. changed that and now I can't

remember why. Brain dead!

Debbie/FL

> >

> > As part of my AIH treatment, I wWill start to take Imuran

> > next week when my dose of Prednisone will be reduced to

> > 10 mg (After being on 40 mg, then 30 mg, currently on

> > 20 mg - each for a week).

> >

> > So far, despite all my worries, I have had minimal side

> > effects on the Prednisone and actually feel great (compared

> > to how lousy I felt before). But I know the longer you are

> > on Prednisone, that's when the side effects may kick in.

> >

> > Anyhow, I'm to take 50 mg of Imuran daily along with 10

> > mg of Prednisone for about 4 weeks and then will do blood

> > lab work to see if my levels have improved.

> >

> > My questions to anyone who has a similar situation is;

> >

> > - When you started taking the Imuran - did you notice ANY

> > change at all immediately, such as the Prenisone not working

> > as well? Any side effects kicking in immediately, etc. Also,

> > did any of you feel much better after taking Imuran?

> >

> > - Also, what time of day seems to be best to take this medicine?

> > In the morning? At bedtime? Did taking with food work better?

> > or on a empty stomach? Okay to take along with the Prednisone?

> > Did it disturb your sleep? What worked best for you.

> >

> > I know everyone's experience is different, would just like to

> > hear about it, if you want to share.

> >

> > Thanks - really enjoy reading everyone's posts. It sure

> > does help to be in touch with people who can understand

> > what you are going through.

> >

> > Terri

[Guest guest]

--- TerriMM@... wrote:

>

> As part of my AIH treatment, I wWill start to take

> Imuran

> next week when my dose of Prednisone will be reduced

> to

> 10 mg (After being on 40 mg, then 30 mg, currently

> on

> 20 mg - each for a week).

>

> So far, despite all my worries, I have had minimal

> side

> effects on the Prednisone and actually feel great

> (compared

> to how lousy I felt before). But I know the longer

> you are

> on Prednisone, that's when the side effects may kick

> in.

>

> Anyhow, I'm to take 50 mg of Imuran daily along with

> 10

> mg of Prednisone for about 4 weeks and then will do

> blood

> lab work to see if my levels have improved.

>

> My questions to anyone who has a similar situation

> is;

>

> - When you started taking the Imuran - did you

> notice ANY

> change at all immediately, such as the Prenisone not

> working

> as well? Any side effects kicking in immediately,

> etc. Also,

> did any of you feel much better after taking Imuran?

>

> - Also, what time of day seems to be best to take

> this medicine?

> In the morning? At bedtime? Did taking with food

> work better?

> or on a empty stomach? Okay to take along with the

> Prednisone?

> Did it disturb your sleep? What worked best for

> you.

>

> I know everyone's experience is different, would

> just like to

> hear about it, if you want to share.

>

> Thanks - really enjoy reading everyone's posts. It

> sure

> does help to be in touch with people who can

> understand

> what you are going through.

>

> Terri

>

>

>

>

Terri, when I my dose of imuran was increased from

50mg to 100mg I was very ill,nauseated,shakey,hot then

cold,and weak.The group suggested I take 50 in am and

50 in pm. That worked great for me.I have to take the

pred in am or im up all night doing crazy things like

cleaning the house:-) go figure!

Be well mary ann

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